From the industrial through the ongoing computing and communication
revolutions, science and technology have improved the quality of life in
industrialized societies and enriched our understanding of the world
around us. We have benefitted from new products and services ranging from
pharmaceuticals to computers, the capacity to grow more food and access
more minerals and energy, and the ability to move faster and further than
ever before. These improvements are largely the result of innovation — new
products or processes — based on scientific knowledge, which is generated and
applied by people skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM). STEM skills cover a wide range of knowledge and skill types, from the
technical training needed to operate sophisticated equipment, to world-leading
research in physics or biotechnology, all contributing to a prosperous society.
High-level STEM skills are important to advancing the frontiers of scientific
knowledge, but so is having a broader STEM-literate population. The adoption
of new technologies is often not possible without STEM-literate individuals with
complementary skills who can turn ideas into products and services, and put
them to use. Hence, improving the quantity and quality of all types of STEM
skills can be important in increasing economic productivity of Canada’s labour
force and fostering long-term growth of living standards