Why America Needs a Talent Strategy  | Bipartisan Policy Center

Why It Matters

Without a coherent national talent strategy the U.S. risks worsening inequality, weaker economic competitiveness and unfilled employer demand; aligning federal and state systems is presented as essential to restore opportunity and workforce readiness.

Summary

Bipartisan Policy Center leaders and two former governors urged creation of a national talent strategy to address what they call a mounting human-capital crisis driven by rapid economic and technological change. They warn the U.S. workforce is fragmented and underprepared—putting recent graduates, blue‑collar workers and learners at risk—and say the current system is muddled by roughly $250 billion spread across 150 federal programs with inconsistent goals and data. The panel argued states are often where solutions must be implemented but are hamstrung by siloed funding, weak coordination and mismatched outcomes. They called for a comprehensive, coordinated federal‑state approach to realign funding, data and policy to rebuild pathways into quality jobs.

Original Description

Americans are living through a period of rapid change—and too many are at risk of being left out and left behind without the skills they need to get ahead. Our economy cannot grow, and our people cannot prosper, without an educated, prepared, and supported workforce. As student achievement declines, employers struggle to find skilled workers, and families worry that opportunity is slipping away, one thing is clear: the nation lacks a plan for its people. This panel makes the bipartisan case for a national talent strategy—one that aligns federal policy with state and local leadership, puts learners and workers at the center, and restores confidence in the American promise.

Panelists:

-Margaret Spellings | President & CEO, Bipartisan Policy Center 

-Governor Bill Haslam | Co-Chair, BPC’s Commission on the American Workforce 

-Governor Deval Patrick | Co-Chair, BPC’s Commission on the American Workforce 

-Kristen Soltis Anderson | Founding Partner, Echelon Insights (Moderator)