Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(Prais, 1995). Questions about the optimum level of training, who
should pay for training and the best form of training are ongoing
issues for policy development (Prais, 1995). Associated concerns
include debates about how training quality and relative long-term
outcomes might also be evaluated (Prais, 1995). One example of this
is whether an extra year of schooling is more beneficial in the long
term for young people, or whether they would be better off taking
up on-the-job training in the form of an apprenticeship earlier (Prais,
1995).
High levels of human capital have been positively correlated with
higher numbers of patents filed, greater investment in research and
development and high levels of high-technology exports, three
different indicators used to measure the innovative capacity of
nations (Dakhli and De Clercq, 2004). Although the use of these
particular indicators might be debated because of their leaning
towards science-based innovation only, the data in the study cited
here shows strong support for the argument that a higher level of
human capital across individuals in a nation results in higher levels
of innovation (Dakhli and De Clercq, 2004).
A well-developed training system is argued to have been responsible
for US leadership in science and technology since the end of the
Second World War (Freeman, 2007). On indicators of innovation,
like patent rates, high-technology exports and investment in research
and development, the US has been a world leader (Freeman, 2007).
It is also said to employ one-third of the world's science and
engineering researchers (Freeman, 2007). High proportions of
knowledge-based workers are thus crucial for maintaining competitive
advantage in knowledge economies (Freeman, 2007). Current
transformations in the global workforce in science and engineering
are also affecting the way that competitive advantage plays out
between nations (Freeman, 2007).
Encouraging new entrants into science and engineering careers,
providing better career opportunities for post-PhD trained
professionals, achieving gender balance in science and engineering
professions, building pay equity with other professions and managing
immigration intakes to cover any shortfalls in the science and
engineering workforce are some of the issues underpinning the
