The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) was established on November 23, 1993, by Executive Order 12881. According to the Executive Order, NSTC works as a "virtual agency" to coordinate the S&T policy-making process; ensure science and technology policy decisions and programs are consistent with the President's stated goals; help integrate the President's S&T policy agenda across the federal government; ensure S&T is considered in the development and implementation of federal policies and programs; and further international S&T cooperation.