Economic Development
We all know how hard it is to find highly skilled technology workers. Growing your business depends on a talented team that expertly serves an expanding pool of customers. Workforce development and immigration policies that provide access to skilled technology workers, along with economic development initiatives that create new customers, can effectively contribute to your short- and long-term success. That’s why VFI supports:
- Improved and expanded technology training. Jobs across virtually every sector of the economy increasingly require some technical skills. While governments take the lead in providing public education, supporting their efforts through direct interaction with educational institutions at all levels can strengthen their commitment to science and technology curricula. And advocating for sound public policies and education reform that provide students with early opportunities to learn about technology benefits and to develop IT skills is essential to a sustainable technology workforce.
- Increase focus on math and science education. Currently in the United States, the demand for employees with advanced science and engineering skills often outweighs supply. There needs to be an improvement and emphasis in science and math education to prepare students for 21st century jobs. In addition, more open immigration policies will allow the best and brightest from outside our borders to fill the current talent gap—and ensure our companies can continue to compete and thrive in the new digital age.
- Economic development initiatives. Your business success and growth relies on a strong, tech-friendly economic climate. Supporting and participating in economic development programs and initiatives that foster technology development, promote new tech companies, and drive job growth are essential to creating new customers and IT partners for you. Governments that award technology grants or other technology funding should allow fair and open competition and avoid tech-specific mandates.
Policy Highlight
IDC Study
A new report from IDC, sponsored by Microsoft, charts the critical role that IT—and the Microsoft ecosystem—will play in economic recovery. The researchers examined the IT industry in 52 nations, representing 98% of total IT spending.
Read the some of the findings here
