Refueling the U.S. Innovation Economy: Fresh Approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Abstract

Innovation has powered America’s economy, creating good jobs and a high standard of living. Yet, the U.S. share of innovation-based industries is in decline, jeopardizing our status as the world’s innovation leader. And one reason is that the United States has been unable to produce enough of its own workers with sufficient skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). However, while there is increasing concern over how to increase STEM graduates, the prevailing approaches to solving the STEM challenge have not worked and are not likely to work. It is time for new approaches based on driving innovation in STEM education. This report discusses the limits of the prevailing approaches and outlines fresh approaches and specific policy recommendations to address America’s STEM challenge.

Keywords: education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, innovation, economy, stem