As it did 100 years ago, America enters a new century marked by an economic environment of free trade, international competition, and global business relationships. In such an environment, U.S. economic strength depends on the ability of each state to "compete" successfully in the world marketplace.

Overview

Transitions to a knowledge-based, global economy and pending labor and skill shortages have workforce development at the forefront of state economic policy. Governors recognize that states' long-term economic success in the 21^st Century will depend on their ability to create, attract and retain an educated and skilled workforce and to provide an environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. State workforce policies must therefore be more closely integrated with education and economic development policies so that they provide a continuum of lifelong learning opportunities and work supports that will meet employers' needs for a more skilled and adaptable workforce and workers' desire for economic security and advancement.

Governors are using their leadership role to set high standards of performance to build a stronger education pipeline to produce trainable graduates. In addition, governors are in a pivotal leadership position to harmonize early childhood education, K-12 education, postsecondary education, and workforce development with statewide goals for economic competitiveness. They are also streamlining the state administration of workforce development programs to make them more efficient through interagency planning and communication and consolidation of policy and programs into single agencies.

Through their leadership role, governors act as catalysts and brokers for public and private action that improves the performance of the entire workforce development enterprise. This leads to increased involvement by business and industry and a better understanding by educators, workforce officials and workers of the demands of the global, knowledge-based economy. Governors are leading the transformation of our attitudes, policies and practices in workforce development to ensure America's continued prosperity and create a 21^st-century skilled workforce.

Related Links:

• IPI Blueprint (pdf)
• IPI Folder (pdf)