Policy Recommendations
Technological breakthroughs can transform economies. Recent waves of innovation have privileged people with the most education over those with less.
Will this generation of new technologies follow the same trajectory?
This time could be different. The New American Frontier offers policy recommendations for federal and state governments on how to both advance critical industries and boost shared prosperity.
01
Make strategic bets on priority industries
The challenge
Priority industries get diluted in general-purpose workforce funding.
Why this matters
Earmarked funding ensures critical and emerging industries are prioritized and access public dollars.
02
Fund the infrastructure for frontier training
The challenge
High-cost, capital-intensive programs are hard to start and sustain.
Why this matters
Unless funding accounts for the costs and complexities of delivery, the supply of these programs will lag the need.
03
Create more flexible tools that move at the speed of the market
The challenge
Traditional workforce funding vehicles move too slowly and rigidly for volatile industries.
Why this matters
States need tools that can respond in real time when major projects land or opportunities open in new occupations and industries.
04
Incentivize employer co-design with colleges
The challenge
Employer engagement in workforce development is often shallow and not tied to hiring or shared accountability.
Why this matters
Co-designed training lowers the friction of employer-community college partnerships, aligns training to real jobs, and helps colleges build lasting capacity in emerging sectors.
05
Shift student demand toward priority fields
The challenge
Enrollment does not automatically respond to (often costly) programs in priority fields.
Why this matters
Targeted aid can both steer students toward priority fields and help priority industry programs reach viable scale.