I ran into Fast Company's interview with Richard Florida, social scientist and Hirst Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University, who recently authored his latest book The Flight of the Creative Class. The "Creative Class" is a "distinct segment that drives innovation, creates urban success, and is critical to American competitiveness" and is becoming a critical factor for modern day economy's success. Florida argues that if the United States were not proactive about maintaining and fostering this creative talent, these talented individuals will soon move to other countries (European, China, India, etc.) more eager to foster that creative energy.
On the US education system:
This was an interesting comment for me. On one hand, I've always thought that the US K-12 education system performed a fairly decent job in fostering creativity, comparatively at least.
Now, I compare this to what I learned about China's K-12 education system, mostly through conversations with my mom and my visit to China a few summers back. First, my mom told me she had far less (or no) group assignments or projects (which, ironically, a lot of my college friends despise). I guess she was surprised when I churned out three diorama projects in a school year or made colorful stand-up science fair posterboards. Secondly, in my visit back to China a few years ago, I had the opportunity of sitting in on a fourth grade class in Xian, my birthplace and home to my grandparents. Aside from the relatively poor learning environment (no air condition, classroom full of kids, and being able to feel the sweat drip down your body), I noticed that at fourth grade the students already knew how to do advanced multiplication and division -- all without a calculator! As I watched, not only were the students able to do this, they were able to do it -fast-.
From this experience and conversations with my mom, I feel that above anything, China's education system weeds out a great deal of "Creative Class" talent only to cherish those who are book smart. Each year, high school students are expected to take the big nationwide "exam" to enter college. Yes, one exam determining whether or not you will get in. None of the "we are looking for well-rounded students with not only exemplary grades and SATs but strong leadership skills and extracurricular activities." Instead, it's more like "we don't care if you can play the violin ridiculously well, figure skate like an Olympic athlete, play basketball like no other, or have extraordinary leadership capabilities -- in fact, we just care you can take exams well." Of course, I want to qualify all this and say that my opinions may not accurately reflect what's going on now. China is changing a lot and fast. The China my mom knows is not the China now.
On the other hand, back to Florida's comment, I guess there is still a "herd" / "cookie-cutter" element to the U.S. education system. :: Looks at my investment banking / consulting friends ::
On geography and talent:
This concept stood out, especially as most people think of Silicon Valley / Bay Area as the central hotbed for innovation and creativity, especially in the high-tech sector. Florida points out it's not sufficient for a city to be an importer of talent but that it also needs to be able to grow local talent as well. Interestingly enough, echoing what Jeff Stewart thinks as well, Florida sees New York City as a place of great potential for the "Creative Class."
Biggest takeway:
Be on your toes. As the number one world superpower, the United States can easily sit back and relax while the creative geniuses gradually emigrate overseas. As the number one company with the largest market share, you can also slack and neglect those tiny startups who will one day take over your position.
technorati tags: creative class, richard florida, talent, innovation, geography