Introduction: The Engineering Imperative for Business Leaders
As we celebrate National Engineers Week, we must ask: How can we do more to build the next generation of engineers? The U.S. faces a growing skills gap in STEM, jeopardizing our leadership in technology, innovation, infrastructure, biosecurity, and ultimately national security. U.S. business leaders must act now—investing in STEM education, public-private partnerships, and interdisciplinary engineering training is no longer optional; it is an imperative.
Gatun locks on Atlantic-side of the Panama Canal. The construction of these locks was one of the … [+]
The Situation
The situation is of grave national concern, and business leaders who rely on engineers have a key role in improving it. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 34% of eighth-grade students and 24% of twelfth-grade students are proficient in math, an essential engineering skill. Additionally, only 22% of twelfth-grade students are proficient in science, which impacts the pipeline for biotechnology and biosecurity innovation. Interest in engineering careers declines sharply by eighth grade, particularly for girls and underrepresented minorities.
The decline in math and science skills has a long-term impact on the pipeline of engineers. For example, research found that 60% of college students intending to study engineering switch to a non-engineering major. Making matters even more complicated, 45% of those graduating with an engineering degree work in non-engineering fields, exacerbating an already challenging situation.
National Security
From a national security perspective, there is also a concern. According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES, 2023) and Statista, in 2018, China produced approximately 2 million bachelor’s degrees in science and engineering, while the U.S. awarded approximately 811,000 in science and engineering. Although China produces more engineering graduates, the quality of the U.S. graduates is often perceived as more robust due to greater emphasis on project-based learning and practical problem-solving. China’s strategic investment in STEM education and research is narrowing the quality gap, positioning it to lead in technology and innovation.
Primary school students are experiencing a simulation system for space measurement and control at … [+]
Additionally, the sheer volume of graduates from China poses a direct challenge to U.S. leadership in technology and…
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