Policy - Skills/STEM
Skills/STEM
Each year tens of thousands of open jobs at technology companies go unfilled as a result of a workforce that is falling behind on the skills needed for these high-paying jobs. The reality is today’s global marketplace is extremely competitive, and for the U.S. economy and American workers to win that competition, investments are needed to improve quality and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. STEM skills are key to a 21st century workforce: New approaches in education policy are needed because, unfortunately, the current education model is not always up to the task. Too many American schools are arming students with the skills of yesteryear instead of polishing the tools they will undoubtedly need in tomorrow’s global marketplace.
The skills gap is reflected in the employment market where vacancies in STEM fields outnumber qualified applicants by nearly two to one. Without skilled applicants to fill the void of STEM knowledge, we cannot keep the fast-growing occupations requiring these skills headquartered in the United States or provide American students to fill those vacancies. In short, STEM skills are needed today, and they will be even more sought after tomorrow. The U.S. and our students should not be left behind.
To address the skills gap, ITI advocates for long-term policy solutions that 1) empower American students from primary to higher education to excel in STEM fields; and 2) invest in basic research in U.S. universities, which often lead to next-generation innovations and new businesses and jobs.
Resources
- Support for Relaunching America's Workforce Act in COVID-19 Relief Efforts (May 11, 2020)
- Equality Act Trades Letter (March 14, 2019)
- 116th Congress Legislative Priorities (March 13, 2019)
- Industry Statement on G7 Future of Jobs Ministerial (March 27, 2018)
- ITI AI Senate Commerce Hearing Submission (December 12, 2017)
Techwonk Blog
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What are the most pressing policies that will help ensure the growth of a talented, diverse workforce in 2021 and beyond? (August 18, 2020)
This article first appeared on Protocol and was sponsored by ITI as part of our 2020 National Political Conventions Series. Tacy Trowbridge Education Programs Lead at Adobe Inc Every school should cultivate ...
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Tech’s Legislative Outlook for 2019: Building on 2018’s Momentum for Innovation and Growth (March 13, 2019)
The 116th Congress marks another moment of profound political change and an important opportunity to advance policies that meet the needs of Americans and American-based businesses in the 21st century. ...
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Ensuring Technology Serves as a Force for Good (March 06, 2019)
It’s easy to forget just how much technology has changed our world and our lives. A little more than a decade ago, a small business owner relied on foot traffic from local customers rather than web visits ...
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Building the Future, One Job at a Time (January 30, 2019)
In our recent book, What To Do When Machines Do Everything we argue that in 10 years’ time employment levels in the Western world will be higher than they are today. For some people that’s a head scratcher. ...
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Apprenticeships: A Good Deal for America’s Workforce (November 14, 2018)
Last week’s election results will soon usher in a divided Congress in Washington. While we can no doubt anticipate lively policy debate in the foreseeable future, one issue where there is bipartisan agreement ...
News Releases
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ITI Shares Tech Policy Recommendations to Support Economic Recovery with Biden-Harris Transition Team (December 15, 2020)
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI outlined a set of policies the Biden-Harris Administration can adopt to ensure that the U.S. technology sector can continue to serve as indispensable ...
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ITI Unveils Tech Policy Platform for U.S. Candidates (August 18, 2020)
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI released the industry’s policy platform for U.S. candidates. As the only trade association advancing a cross-sector tech policy roadmap, the platform ...
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ITI Calls on Congressional Leadership to Fund Digital Skills Development in Future Pandemic Aid Package (August 12, 2020)
WASHINGTON — Today, global tech trade association ITI sent a letter to U.S. congressional leadership urging the inclusion of funds to support workforce development that furthers digital skills in future ...
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New Report Underscores Impact of Tech Innovation in Communities Across U.S. (August 06, 2020)
WASHINGTON — The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the global trade association of the technology industry, today issued a new report to help U.S. policymakers better understand the state ...
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Groups Urge Increased Minority Representation in STEM Fields Via JROTC Program (August 06, 2020)
WASHINGTON — Today, a coalition of 34 organizations sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate Armed Services Committees urging the inclusion of the text of the PROMOTES Act in the final version ...