Globalization Part 2

How might the US respond to the tides of change resulting from globalization? What role does education play in this response?

I am especially struck by the writing of Friedman in The World is Flat, that the new middle class will be collaborators, orchestrators, synthesizers, explainers, etc. When I was growing up, the fields to jump into were accounting and engineering. But it seems these skills are being outsourced more and more and it is some of the softer skills that are coming into demand.

Adapted, real world learning must be the response from learning institutions and the US. I think business partnerships between educational institutions and companies are one idea that I have seen that keep learners in step with innovation. Apathy or business as usual can quickly put us behind.

I like the analogy Friedman uses about the wealthy family. The first generation works hard. The second kind of maintains. Then the third squanders. There is a certain complacency that sets in when one doesn't have to work hard to receive reward. If that complacency becomes societal, it could be detrimental to the nation. So the US response must be one of continued urgency and innovation. That is what has fueled our economy and has made our nation great thus far.