As the world becomes increasingly industrialized, issues relating to pollution, energy, health, food safety, and national defense multiply and exhibit new facets that must be addressed sooner rather than later. Resources needed to address these developments increase both in expense and variety, so much so that even research based on anticipated scenarios appears necessary. While the political dimensions of these developments require concerted action from international organizations, technoscientific researchers must also become involved in devising cost-effective and innovative solutions to complex problems, both current and anticipated. Because of its wide reach, the science of optics and photonics is expected to play a major role in this activity. In this special conference entitled Photonic Innovations and Solutions for Complex Environments and Systems (PISCES), 15 proven technoscientific leaders--from industry, government, and academia--shall deliver problem-based talks focusing on innovative solutions for complex problems, with special attention to optics and photonics. Specific areas requiring innovative and multi-disciplinary approaches to complex problems in the short (< 5 years) and medium (5-20 years) terms will be identified, along with recent and ongoing successes. Strategies to expedite innovation through integration of academic, industrial and government research will be considered. The roles of governmental agencies, industrial consortiums, research foundations, and private investment in the rapid and timely manufacture and commercialization of products will be explored.