Expansion Management

How the Heck is Manufacturing Going to Survive with these Statistics?

Oct. 29, 2010

I'm in shock as I'm about to spell out statistics that do not bode well for the future of manufacturing. Here is where the U.S. rates in comparison to the rest of the world.#6 in Global Innovation-Based Competitiveness#40 in the Rate of change over the ...

Adrienne Selko Blog

I'm in shock as I'm about to spell out statistics that do not bode well for the future of manufacturing.

Here is where the U.S. rates in comparison to the rest of the world.

#6 in Global Innovation-Based Competitiveness

#40 in the Rate of change over the Last Decade

#11 in High School Graduation Rate of 25-34-year-olds (compared to industrialized countries)

#16 in College Graduation Rate

#22 in Access to Broad-Band Internet Access

#27 in in Proportion of College Students Receiving Degrees in Science or Engineering (compared to developed nations)

#48 in Quality of K-12 Math & Science Education

This is from a report issued in Sept called "Rising Above the Gathering Storm Revisited: Rapidly Rising Approaching Category 5" which is authored by the National Academies.

This deeply disturbing fact came to my attention via an article by Thomas Friedman in Oct. 27th New York Times entitled "Can't Keep a Bad Idea Down".

He pointed out the press hasn't given proper coverage to the report. He's right and I couldn't sleep last night thinking that I was part of the problem. While I hope to sleep better tonight, having posted this entry, I'm guessing all of those working towards a stronger manufacturing sector in the U.S. won't be getting much sleep.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

Follow Adrienne on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Call: 216-931-9235

Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.