Illinoisans will see changes in the way they work, learn and interact with each in the next decade. In the new world economy, Illinois can sustain its competitiveness in areas such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, information technology, agriculture and biotechnology, or it can fall behind. Illinois can adapt to changes in demographics, the workforce and technology or not. Illinois can improve the quality of its environment, education, and technology and transportation infrastructures or pay the consequences of failing to do so. Illinois is at a critical juncture and will either take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to it, or face the possibility of a lessened quality of life.

It was within this context that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Partnership Illinois Program and the Institute of Government and Public Affairs sponsored a conference entitled: "Critical Issues Facing Illinois" This conference, held on September 27, 1999 at the Beckman Institute on the Urbana-Champaign campus was attended by 80 leaders from different sectors throughout the state: agriculture, education, government, information technology, and specialists in community and economic development.