November 2, 2009 By Hilton Collins
Photo: Teisha Jones (left), principal, Chicago Academy of Advanced Technology; Matt Hancock, executive director, Center for Polytechnical Education/Photo by Matthew Gilson
The United States is often seen as the world's technology leader, but the 21st century could bring some challenges to the throne.
Consider this: The Rand Corp., a nonprofit research organization, reported in a 2008 document, U.S. Competitiveness in Science and Technology, that the European Union awarded 41,000 science and engineering doctorates in 2002 compared to America's 27,000. In the paper, Richard Freeman, a research associate with the National Bureau of Economic Research, forecast that by 2010 Europe will produce twice as many doctorates in the field as the United States, and China will produce about 25 percent more than the U.S.
But an innovative endeavor in Chicago could become an example of how to improve America's standing. On Sept. 8, 2009, the Chicago Academy of Advanced Technology (CAAT) opened its doors. The academy is the result of an effort -- led by Mayor Richard M. Daley and CIO Hardik Bhatt -- to fill the need for skilled IT workers and tech-savvy executives at Chicago companies and within city government.
CAAT is operated by the Center for Polytechnical Education, a nonprofit focused on training young people to be shining technology stars in a changing economic universe. Matt Hancock, the center's executive director, hopes the subject matter will help build technical prowess and creativity within the next generation so they can strengthen the economy.
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