In the present era, we have grown acutely aware of the importance of broadening education and research opportunities on a global scale. There is general recognition that the conditions for the improvement of human welfare, the maintenance of a healthy, growing economy, and prospects for peaceful coexistence are all enhanced by a vigorous educational system across the entire spectrum—from preschool to postdoctoral education. In this presentation our focus is upon graduate education and research and more specifically the development of partnerships between universities, industries, and governments to enhance the output of knowledge through research and to expedite the transition of basic research to the implementation of this new knowledge for the benefit of society. This tripartite partnership—university, industry, and government—grows in significance as we witness modern day advances in science, technology, and engineering: the revolution in information storage, retrieval, and dissemination; the application of recombinant DNA and other ‘high technologies’ for practical purposes; the increased interdependence among nations; the periodic threats to peaceful coexistence. Strong programs in graduate education and research require substantial resources, resources by way of human talent and resources in terms of supplies and physical equipment. Co-operative programs among universities, government, and industry provide for a synergistic utilization of resources. In addition there is also an improved environment for establishing an effective continuum between basic and applied research. Examples of several tripartite arrangements are presented.