America COMPETES

U.S. Competitiveness & Innovative Capacity Rising to the Challenge & Keys to Innovation, Competitiveness and Jobs SET T IN G THE STA G E The U.S. economy was the world leader in the 20th century, however as we moved into the 21st century, various parties have raised concerns about whether this nation's economy can continue to be competitive. The U.S. economy remains the largest in the world, possessing a highly skilled work force, world class companies, and according to some, the world's best higher education system. Despite these facts, there is cause for alarm. 6 Alarms for the U.S. Economy 1. JOBS Employment grew at an annual rate of just 3. MANUFACTURING The U.S. continues to lose 5. INFRASTRUCTURE Some communities remain 0.6 % between the Feb. 2001 and Jan. 2008 peaks. This rate is 1/3 as fast as the 1.8 annual rate of employment growth between Jun. 1990 and Feb. 2001 peaks. ground in key manufacturing sectors, including those that are likely to drive our economy. The U.S. manufacturing sector faces increased pressure from abroad. disadvantaged in broadband access and use. Differences in broadband adoption still persist by income, race and ethnicity, and education. 2. WAGES Incomes and wages have generally 4. INNOVATION While the scientific and technological 6. EDUCATION Concerns over DID YOU KNOW ? stagnated in the U.S. From 1980 to its peak in 1999, real our education system are endemic as U.S. building blocks critical to economic leadership in the U.S. begin to erode, many other nations are actively laying strong foundations in these same areas. median household income increased about 20%. Since students score below other countries About 40% of that peak, real median household income has stalled. in math and science testing. Nobel Prizes have been awarded to U.S. citizens Real US Within just a few years in the late 1990's and income ENIAC peaked per person increased Productivity The first at Wireless 25.2% of of farms fully electronic telecommunications in every state early 2000's, NIH's spending the world rose industry reached 290,000 workers digital computer ever built economy 150% since between doubled 1948 1963-2008 1900 2010 An average of over 500,000 new employer businesses started; producing an average of 3m new jobs a year (1980-2007) Life expectancy in US Real average US was the S first industrialized US personal made up income rose to 19.5% of 77.9 years from 47.3 nation to increased the world provide free, 213% to economy JOB OPENINGS $28,889 from accessible years in 1900 secondary education 1950 Prepared by the U.S. Department of Commerce in consultation with the National Economic Council 1930's 1946 1963 1980 1986 S,066 0007 2007 2007 2008 2010