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Description
This is a critical time for our nation. Thirty years ago American corporations competed with one another. Today's competition is on a global scale. Among other things, corporations that depend upon a position of leadership in research and development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) must confront the reality that the sources of brainpower needed to maintain their preeminence are changing and that new and creative approaches will be required to ensure an adequate talent pool in the future.
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Given the tremendous progress in science and technology that is taking place in developing countries, the serious shortcomings of our public education systems, shifting immigration policies and the historic under-representation of sizable elements of our population, our nation must act quickly to maintain a strong position of leadership in the STEM disciplines and to ensure a future of prosperity and security. Preeminence in innovation and entrepreneurship will reside in the hands of those most adept at developing and retaining talent. Other countries, certainly China and India, are moving faster than we are. This is the dilemma facing our nation today.
Huge changes have occurred in our economy largely as a result of globalization and technological innovation. Manufacturing has declined and the information age requires more professional and high-tech skills from employees. We find ourselves importing talent and exporting jobs, not just because it is less expensive to have the work performed by lower-wage skilled workers in developing countries but also because we do not produce enough scientists and engineers in our nation's colleges and universities.
The situation has been recognized and addressed by the highest levels of government and by corporations, foundations and academic institutions. Off-shoring, outsourcing and increasing H-1B visa allotments either have been employed or are under consideration. But in the midst of the activity that has been inspired by widely-read publications such as Thomas Friedman's book The World is Flat and the National Academies' report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm our leaders seem to have lost sight of the fact that there are many persons in America for whom participation in science and engineering has been and continues to be... |
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