Public - Private Partnerships: Creating a 21st Century Workforce for the Space Enterprise
- Paper number
IAC-08.E1.4.101
- Author
Ms. Angela Phillips Diaz, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Creating a 21st Century Workforce proficient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is a challenge faced by regions, states, and nations world-wide. Many studies and reports from A Nation at Risk (1983) to Rising Above the Gathering Storm (2006) have served as harbinger of urgent need. Although a challenge since the beginning of the space age, the need for a proficient workforce now permeates nearly every discipline and career field. The dawn of the space age inspired not only current and future scientists and engineers to enter this “Buck Rogers” world; it also energized the general public world wide regarding the possibilities and wonder of space exploration. Yet with unprecedented challenges facing the space enterprise community including the wave of projected baby boomer retirements, changing demographics, and competing lucrative career opportunities, the ability to attract and retain the 21st century workforce is a formidable opportunity. Initiatives sponsored by US government agencies, private foundations, and industry to encourage more students to pursue career fields in the STEM fields are driven by many needs – economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and security. The diversity of projects reflect best practices however, often the achieved results and impacts are short lived. A sustainable, scalable impact requires a systemic, holistic approach that capitalizes on the tools and technologies of the 21st Century not solely on the 20th Century education model. A sustainable initiative can be achieved through public-private partnerships that combine individual strengths and competencies in a systemic, strategic approach where all stakeholders have a role and a responsibility in achieving a successful outcome. Alignment of the various stakeholders (government, industry, academia, media, health care, etc.) committed to a common purpose and objectives with clear, understandable metrics creates a powerful framework. Examples of programs which leverage the strengths of this collaborative approach will be discussed as well as results and metrics that demonstrate effectiveness.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.E1.4.101.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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