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All of a sudden there is lots being written about the trend of employers hiring generalists more than specialists. What is so disturbing is the disconnect between this reality and way too many policymakers pushing our education and training providers towards preparing students for a trade or profession. In a world where generalists are what increasingly is being rewarded, the…

In an interview with Bridge magazine University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel lays out the case for public investments as essential to the future success of Michigan. Particularly public investments in higher education. Schilissel says: It used to be the public would come together around common goods, things that, you know, no individual benefits from, but we all benefit from…

In 2004 Michigan Future published a report on knowledge-based states having higher per capita income than manufacturing-based states. The data showed that the most prosperous states––other than states with lots of oil and natural gas––had four common characteristics: Over concentration in what we now call knowledge-based servicesHigh proportion of adults with a four-year degree or moreAt least one big metro…

In an article for the Atlantic Seattle entrepreneur and venture capitalist Nick Hanauer writes: "Like many rich Americans, I used to think educational investment could heal the country’s ills—but I was wrong. Fighting inequality must come first." Hanauer, as we explored in a previous post, is decidedly left of center. His politics are pro capitalism and pro shared prosperity. He…

As a culture we celebrate small business. There are many reasons why we should. It certainly is one of the paths to economic success for those who create a long term successful enterprise. And small business are a source of innovation and amenities that make our communities better places to live. But our celebration of small business is misplaced when…