Current discussion on how science is being practiced has focused on the issue of whether fundamental research is sufficiently relevant to societal goals. In this article, it is demonstrated that fundamental surface science, which seeks an atomic level understanding of surface processes, is to a significant; extent strategic in nature. Examples of research in the areas of nucleation and growth, fundamentals of environmental remediation, semiconductor processing chemistry, and the development of new analytical tools are used to support this thesis. The argument is advanced that a broader implementation of strategic research is desirable and could be achieved though an articulation of societal goals which is clearer and more detailed. A systems approach to coordinating education and research at universities and in industry would promote strategic research as well as lead to a smoother transition for young scientists from the university to the workplace.