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To the Point

Is America Falling Behind in Science, Engineering?

America once led the world in science and engineering, the keys to creating the jobs that generated record-breaking prosperity. Last year just four of the top 10 companies receiving US patents were located in the US, and China graduated more English-speaking engineers than America did.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

America once led the world in science and engineering, the keys to creating the jobs that generated record-breaking prosperity. Last year just four of the top 10 companies receiving US patents were located in the US, and China graduated more English-speaking engineers than America did. With dire warnings about falling behind, Congress is being urged to fund education and research so the US can regain its competitive edge. But if other countries are catching up, is that all bad? As education and knowledge are globalized, won’t the US share in the benefits?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Andrea Brody

    Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

  • KCRW placeholder

    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • KCRW placeholder

    Charles Vest

    President, National Academy of Engineering

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    Irving Pressley McPhail

    President/CEO, National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering

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    Miles O'Brien

    Science Journalist, PBS' NewsHour

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