TRANSITIONING TO A DEMAND-DRIVEN WORKFORCE SYSTEM: Myths, Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities

High Growth Industries Automotive Advanced Manufacturing Biotechnology Construction Energy Financial Services Geospatial Technology Health Care Hospitality Information Technology Retail Transportation

Myths: The public workforce system is broken. Free trade is making us a poor country. Offshoring can only benefit the economy. Offshoring can only hurt the economy. The more skilled workers there are, the less offshoring there will be. Globalization is a fad. The “market” is the driving force of our economy and will facilitate our strength as competitors in the global economy.

REALITIES: The Economic Landscape  The job market  The public school system  Globalization Catalysts Outsourcing Offshoring

Challenges: Broad-based, National: Trade Imbalance Productivity U.S. Rural Areas Public Education System U.S. Domestic Policy U.S. Fiscal Policy Immigration Risks associated with participating in a global economy

Risks Associated With Participating in a Global Economy: World Financial Market World Oil Supply Wealth Disparities in Emerging Nations China Operations Trade Liberalizations Environmental Issues Geopolitical Conflicts Global Terrorism World Health Conditions Source: GMI Conference, September 22 – 23, 2005

Opportunities Innovation/Creativity “Change Agents” Outreach Research and Development Science, Technology, Bridging the “Digital Divide” Skills Enhancement/”Credentialing” “Venture” Capital

Partnerships and Collaborations Are Critical In This Current Economic and Workforce Development Environment