Industry and Population Shifts | Deteriorating Infrastructure | Advancing Technology |
Land Development Limitations | Challenges for Agriculture | Workforce Development Issues |
Planning and Coordination
Advancing Technology
The growth and advancement of Information Technology, as an independent industry as well as an integral part of the infrastructure for other industries, has not been adequately addressed within the K-12 school system.
Partnerships between the business community and the K-12 education system are critical to keeping schools, and students, current with technology related programs. Computer hardware and software, web-based technologies, communications and media, are all areas where industry can assist educators to innovate their programs in ways that will prepare students to meet the needs of industry moving forward. There are some partnerships in place, but currently their reach is limited.
Technology advancements are making significant changes to the manufacturing sector and some businesses are struggling to make the necessary adjustments.
The nature of manufacturing, both locally and on a national scale, has changed in the past few decades from an industry sector dominated by “heavy” or durable goods manufacturers, to one characterized by non-durable goods that range from food processing and medical devices, to the highly technical production of pharmaceutical diagnostic and therapeutic products. These manufacturing operations have needs for specific materials and equipment, and some require extensive research and development processes in addition to the manufacturing of the products. These environments must be upgraded regularly, in order for manufacturers to be competitive within the industry. Some businesses need assistance to provide these upgrades and training.
The telecommunications industry has been “re-invented” through technology.
Once considered utilities, telephone service providers have become “media” industries, providing television, internet, land-based telephone, and mobile communication services. The industry is changing extremely rapidly and competition between providers is strong.
Industry and Population Shifts | Deteriorating Infrastructure | Advancing Technology |
Land Development Limitations | Challenges for Agriculture | Workforce Development Issues |
Planning and Coordination
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