View From The Hill
Competitiveness and Modeling and Simulation
Since World War II, the United States has consistently been the global leader in technology. Scientists, engineers, and special-skilled workers have succeeded in creating and applying innovative ideas to create one of the most technologically-savvy and productive economies in the world. We have used innovation to increase not only our economic muscle, but also to multiply the strength of our military capability as well. Our role as the technological leader in the world has secured our competitive edge in global society economically and militarily.
As the overall global dependency on technology increases, our innovation will be more valued, and it will become ever more critical to maintain our technological edge as a country. So far, we have done a stand-up job. Emerging fields like modeling and simulation and micro-technology use the most complex, innovative technology available to train military and medical personnel so they are the most prepared in their field out of anyone else in the world. We have seen great successes because of our use of technology in these fields.
But today we find our competitive edge in jeopardy as many emerging countries strengthen their educational and research programs. Several published reports indicate that there is a growing concern over whether the U.S. has a sufficient number of students and teachers in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in order to sustain our technology-driven society, let alone maintain global competitiveness. Currently, the overall number of STEM degrees awarded to graduates in the United States makes up about 17 percent of all postsecondary degrees awarded. Conversely, other nations, like China, are seeing rapid growth in STEM degree attainment. Between 1980 and 2000, China doubled the degrees it has awarded in higher education, many of which were in STEM fields.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) produced a study showing that the achievement of U.S. students in STEM, when compared to other nations, is inconsistent with our role as a leader in scientific innovation. One contributing factor to the decline in STEM is due to an insufficient number of math and science teachers that actually have a STEM degree. Studies show that teachers teaching within their degree have more success with their students, so a lack of STEM educators would mean that our students aren’t becoming the best prepared for scientific-related fields.
The decline of highly educated STEM students will have an overwhelming impact on technologically- based industries like modeling and simulation (M&S), which have foundations built on top-notch researchers and developers to create, for instance, weather models, emergency room training simulations and weaponry training systems. Furthermore, the individuals with the critical knowledge to truly grow M&S are quickly approaching retirement. In fact, more than half of Americans with science and engineering degrees are over 40 years old, and STEM fields will continue to see increasing retirement rates over the next few decades. What happens to this rapidly growing industry over the next generation depends upon the ranks of graduates who join the workforce with or without the appropriate STEM training. Without a generation prepared to take on the challenges of a technologically advanced economy and military, we risk losing our global competitiveness and national security. To maintain global competitiveness, we must have the existence of a capable scientific and technological workforce. To increase global competitiveness, we must redouble our efforts to provide quality STEM education for future engineers, programmers and scientists.
Today we stand at a critical juncture in the modeling and simulation industry. We must collaborate to protect our competitive edge and national interest by ensuring the investment and focus in STEM education is brought to bear. That is why I believe the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus is so important for the future of our country. Over the last two years, the M&S Caucus has worked to create a national identity for the field of modeling and simulation by spreading awareness of this critical industry.
Through events like the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Exhibition in July, we’ve begun to educate members of Congress about the capabilities M&S can offer. In the past, the exhibition has brought over 30 companies from a number of fields to Capitol Hill, including medical, defense and engineering, to demonstrate the growth and development of the M&S industry, through a showcase of M&S applications and high-tech tools. Members of Congress have taken notice of the interoperability, reuse and affordability of M&S both within the military community and outside. Subsequently, the caucus has nearly doubled in size to become a bipartisan group of 21, representing 12 states from across the country. Through collaboration among leaders from industry, academia and government, we can continue to focus on M&S concerns with regard to public policy and the need to coordinate and invest in M&S education.
Just this month, I introduced H. Res. 487, which formally recognizes the contribution of M&S technology to the security and prosperity of the United States and designates M&S as a National Critical Technology. This legislation also recognizes math and science as key disciplines for primary and secondary education and encourages the expansion of M&S as a tool and subject within higher education [and] is further expressing the need to invest in STEM education.
Our country’s competitive edge depends on us maintaining our technological edge. The growth and development of M&S is a key area where we must maintain the technological lead to protect the interests of our nation. Perhaps one of the most important things we can do as champions of the M&S industry is to continue to promote the development of the industry at a national level and to encourage quality math and science education for the younger generation to ensure the baton is passed to a stronger, even more capable M&S work force. ♦