Will economic recovery create jobs for small business?

I read in this morning’s paper that economic recovery is going to be slow, but it didn’t give many specifics. I guess I am increasingly curious what the experts mean by economic recovery. Is it recovery to where we were in the 1970’s, the 80’s or two years ago? Define recovery!

I think the experts and the government are looking at short-term indicators and missing the big picture. A friend recently sent me a link to a youtube video that was both amazing and frightening. For those of you interested the link is youtube video.

I have no way to predict the future and have no way to validate some of the information contained in this video, but I believe the trends that it talks about are real and happening now. A few of the more interesting points highlighted are:

• The 25% of India’s population with the highest IQ’s is greater than the total population of the United States.
• The top 10 in demand jobs in 2010 didn’t exist in 2004.
• The U.S. Department of Labor estimates today’s learner will have 10 to 14 jobs by age 38.

That information coupled with the fact that fewer U.S. students are graduating with math and science degrees makes me wonder if real economic recovery is possible.

As the chart shows we are last in this group in math science and engineering.

The chart from the International Education Report By Michael Hodg

The chart from the International Education Report By Michael Hodg

Overall the United States spent an average of $8,701 per student on elementary and secondary education in 2005, up 5 percent from $8,287 the previous year. We’re spending money but simply not keeping up.
Until we resolve some of the big picture issues real economic stability cannot happen. The government cannot create wealth and real jobs; the private sector has to do that. In order to do that business needs the brainpower to compete globally.

I am constantly talking to businesses about the need to anticipate and get ahead of change. Most are reluctant to do so. I read somewhere the “change occurs only when the pain to change is less than the pain of remaining where you are”.

I think, as a nation we are approaching that point and business needs to lead the reformation. If we are to see job creation and growth at acceptable rates we need to insure our education system is on the same page. Small business must take an active role in education reform