Projects

New Skills for a New Economy

New Skills for a New Economy, a project of PPI, seeks to promote workforce development policies that level the playing field for degree and non-degree workers. In the 21st century, education has become America’s most significant marker of class privilege. People with bachelor’s and advanced degrees have mostly prospered, while wages for those with less education have fallen. This divergence in economic fortunes lies at the heart of our country’s present economic and political discontents.

In today’s increasingly intangible and data-driven economy, most jobs require at least some postsecondary education and training, due to automation and technological advancements — demanding different knowledge and skills. To meet these skill needs, some Washington policymakers think we need “college for all.” But most Americans don’t earn degrees, and a bachelor’s or advanced degree — which takes extensive time and resources — shouldn’t be the only paths to good, middle-class jobs.

It’s clear our country’s education and workforce policies have not kept pace with economic change. PPI believes it is time policymakers stop discriminating against non-degree workers and invest in a robust workforce development system that is fully-funded, modern, industry-responsive, and equips current and future workers with the skills they need to get ahead. New Skills for a New Economy will promote bold and pragmatic policy solutions that address these challenges and help the U.S. remain competitive while also ensuring greater upward mobility for all working Americans.