The Computer Science and Telecommunications Board convenes the nation’s foremost computing, telecommunications, and information technology experts. They provide authoritative advice to the nation on technical and public policy aspects of computing and communications technologies and their social and economic implications, on sustaining leadership in computing and communications innovation, and on using computing and communications technologies in desirable and beneficial ways. CSTB’s products include workshops, other public meetings, and influential and widely read consensus study reports.

CSTB conducts studies of critical national issues that recommend actions or changes in actions by government, industry, academic researchers, and civil society. CSTB also provides a neutral meeting ground for consideration of complex issues where resolution and action may be premature. It convenes discussions that bring together principals from the public and private sectors to share perspectives on all sides of an issue. The process assures that the debate is not dominated by the loudest voices.

A creative body, CSTB initiates a large fraction of its work. It draws on its members' insights into key trends and issues facing the computing and communications industries, the academic research community, and related professions and organizations to identify issues where it can have impact.