Getting More Innovation Workers in the Pipeline

America’s position as the world leader in creating innovations and new products and services is increasingly being challenged by competitor nations that are stepping up their efforts in science and technology. The warning signs have been growing for some time. Numerous organizations have told the same story: American students are falling behind in math and science. Fewer students are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, and American students are performing at levels far below students in competitor nations on international standardized tests in these subjects.

Other countries are gaining ground. China graduates four times as many engineers as the United States. By 2010, it has been predicted that 90 percent of the world's engineers will live in Asia.

The national business community has recognized the need for a solution. A national coalition called Tapping America’s Potential (TAP) decided upon a ten year goal to strengthen the pipeline of future innovators: Double the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates with college degrees by 2015.

Keep reading to get facts and data about the magnitude of the current challenge – and learn what schools, states and companies can do to address the challenge.