Michigan fares well in a new study of science and math investment in the USA.
But the state’s future may not be as clear.
The National Science Foundation report says the U.S. remains the global leader in science and technology, with China making significant gains.
France Cordova is the director of the National Science Foundation. She says Michigan is playing an important role in supporting the nation’s science and technology economy, with the state’s greatest strength being its highly skilled workforce.
“Michigan ranks 8th among all states and the District of Columbia, just behind California, with 7.1% of its workforce working in STEM related fields,” says Cordova.
However, Cordova says Michigan has issues going forward.
She singles out a drop in research & development funding in Michigan.
“It’s decreased from $26 billion in 2000 to $19.9 billion in 2015. And only six other states declined in R & D performance during this time,” says Cordova.
Cordova is also concerned about the rising cost of attending one of Michigan’s public universities.
