There is a lot of talk about higher education being an economic driver in the United States, especially with respect to the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. What powers the economic engine? While there are several factors that contribute, one of the most important is the ability to innovate and create new knowledge, products, solutions, and industries. One might argue that the United States is very good at this innovation, and our economic standing in the world, as well as other indicators (patent filings, Nobel prizes, etc.), backs this up. However, there are concerns that the United States is losing its foothold in the innovation arena. The slipping performance of our K-12 students on international studies of mathematics and science performance, such as the TIMMS and PISA exams, is commonly called up to support this claim.  But what does performance on these metrics have to do with innovation? Some of the countries that best us in these rankings are envious of our system of education. What does that mean? (more…)