Revisiting the Connection Between Industry and Science Education

Can the U.S. industrial enterprise survive without healthy educational institutions that provide scientifically educated human resources? While the answer to this pointed question is a resounding no, everything beyond this simple answer is murky. At the higher end of scientific and technical education, for example PhD, we are the envy of the whole world. And yet, we have become dependent on non-U.S. born graduate students. At the undergraduate college level, there has been a declining interest in science on the part of U.S. born students. And K through 12 grade science and math education is in shambles. In such an environment, what is the role of high technology industry in assuring its own survival through an adequate supply of scientifically educated human resources? But the need of science and math education goes well beyond the immediate needs of the industry. In a democratic society such as ours, we cannot make science and math education a privilege and responsibility of a few. It must be part of the necessary minimum education for all. I will share my views on some of the key steps that need to be taken and are being taken by industrial institutions to address this critical national issue.