The Minds Race

The U.S. faces significant education and worker training challenges in the global economy of the 21st century. Indeed, the first signs of this trend can be seen in the high-tech business world of today. Employers are simply not finding the workers they need based on the math, science and technology skill levels of the students graduating from U.S. high schools, colleges and universities. Workforce training -- and retraining -- is also receiving considerable scrutiny from policymakers as sectors of the U.S. economy face intense competition from other nations and other workforces. What education and worker training changes will be necessary for the U.S. to remain a leader in innovation and economic prosperity? What role will education and workforce skill sets play if the U.S. is to maintain its competitive edge in the "minds race" that is fueling technological change in the global economy?

On Tuesday, March 23, the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), in conjunction with the New America Foundation, hosted a forum on these issues as part of EIA's ongoing policy initiative, "The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads." As the voice of the high-tech industry and its knowledge economy, EIA and its initiative partners are intent on examining the factors affecting both the U.S. economy and the high-tech industry.

Participants

• Dr. Leon Lederman
  Nobel Prize Laureate in physics and Director, Emeritus, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory


• Stephanie Powers
  Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Workforce Boards


• Kevin Celata
  Network Technician and Training Administrator, Communication Workers of America


• Dave McCurdy
  President, Electronic Industries Alliance and former Member, U.S. House of Representatives