Where Is The Next Generation of Innovators?

DESPERATELY SEEKING INVENTORS During his 2012 State of the Union address, President Obama called attention to the dwindling pool of future U.S. innovators and emphasized the importance of young Americans entering careers in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). But concerns don't stop with the president. Industry groups are also calling on schools to graduate more engineers while fostering educators with innovation-based skills to help the future Why Aren't Youn g Americ ans Seeking Care ers in Innovation ? workforce qualify for the science and technology fields that are projected to grow in the coming years. YOUNG PEOPLE WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD STILL, THEY BELIEVE TH EY'RE ILL-PREPARED FOR INNOVATIVE CAREERS According to the 2012 Lemelson-MIT Invention Index, which polled 16- to 25-year-olds around the U.S.: 0% 20% 60% 80% 100% of respondents list at least one factor that could keep 60% them from pursuing an education or career in STEM 22% fields that are typically associated with innovation. say they would be motivated by jobs that would give them a chance to change the world. What Keeps Young People From Pursuing An Education or Career in STEM? 26% note they want to choose careers for stability. 47% believe that a lack of innovation would hurt the U.S. economy. INVENTIONS THEY WOULD WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO Male Female 45% 34% 30% 50% 40% 32% 30% 30% 28% 22% 20% 20% 18% 12% 12% 10% 0% Environmental Health Science Information Consumer Product Web-Based Performing Arts Invention Others Information Invention Invention Invention is not given enough attention in school. Lack of knowledge about the fields. Too challenging. WHAT CAN BE DONE? In School Outside of School say including invention projects during school or want a place for say they'd be interested in courses would like a training program, students to develop that would help them develop innovative spirit and creativity. 54% 52% 80% 58% where aspiring inventors can shadow a field trip would help. an invention. working STEM professionals. SOURCE: WEB. MIT.EDU I WHITEHOUSE.GOV I HUFFINGTONPOST.COM I NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION I 2012 LEMELSON-MIT INVENTION INDEX A COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOOD AND COLUMN FIVE