U.S. Competitiveness in the 21st Century

While globalization has brought promise to many, it also presents many new challenges for the American workforce. President Bush has made U.S. competitiveness a centerpiece of his agenda, stating that “keeping our competitive edge in the world economy requires focused policies that lay the groundwork for continued leadership in innovation, exploration, and ingenuity.” In fact, today’s global playing field is wrought with international competition that affects American jobs and wages.

To examine the critical questions surrounding American competitiveness in a global economy, the Brookings Global Economy and Development Center is launching the Bernard L. Schwartz Forum on U.S. Competitiveness. The first in a series of forums will address American education, innovation and R&D, and will feature keynote addresses by Dr. Susan Hockfield, president, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Bruce Mehlman, former assistant secretary of Commerce for technology policy, and co-founder, Mehlman & Vogel, Inc. Bernard L. Schwartz, retired chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Loral Space & Communications, will provide introductory remarks and join the keynote speakers for a panel discussion. Strobe Talbott, president, Brookings, will introduce the series, and Lael Brainard, vice president and director of the Global Economy and Development Center, will moderate the discussion.