US policymakers urged to focus on Science workforce
Offshoring in China and India is having a negative impact on the number of American computer science degrees, and the US policymakers need to address the issue, according to a report by CPST.
By PTI |
SILICON VALLEY: Offshoring in China and India is having a negative impact on the number of American computer science degrees, and the US policymakers need to address the issue, according to a report by the Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology (CPST).
Pointing out weaknesses in the United States' ability to compete with India, China and other nations in the field, the report urged the policymakers to improve conditions for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce.
The commission found that between 2001 and 2006, enrollments in bachelor's programs in computer science dropped 40 per cent and one of the major reasons that students are shying away are the increased risk for job loss in IT due to offshoring.
In addition, it says, there is less incentive for Americans to invest in continuing education with more employers moving toward "on-demand" employment and an expectation of short employee tenure. "This leaves STEM professionals especially vulnerable since keeping up with the pace of technology is critical to their employability."
The report points out that there are several policy decisions that can help the STEM workforce system, such as government procurement and immigration policies. Some of the other ways the federal government can make a difference is through research funding, scholarships and subsidising continuing educations.
Pointing out weaknesses in the United States' ability to compete with India, China and other nations in the field, the report urged the policymakers to improve conditions for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce.
The commission found that between 2001 and 2006, enrollments in bachelor's programs in computer science dropped 40 per cent and one of the major reasons that students are shying away are the increased risk for job loss in IT due to offshoring.
In addition, it says, there is less incentive for Americans to invest in continuing education with more employers moving toward "on-demand" employment and an expectation of short employee tenure. "This leaves STEM professionals especially vulnerable since keeping up with the pace of technology is critical to their employability."
The report points out that there are several policy decisions that can help the STEM workforce system, such as government procurement and immigration policies. Some of the other ways the federal government can make a difference is through research funding, scholarships and subsidising continuing educations.
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