In contrast with experiences of all other industrialized nations, the size of the labor force of the United States is growing rapidly while, simultaneously, its age, gender, and ethnic composition are changing markedly. Consequently, human resource issues present an unprecedented challenge in nation's quest to achieve fully employed and equitable…

Criticizes the conclusions and analyses of an earlier paper (EJ 036 385) and concludes that the problem (apparent oversupply of Ph.D.'s) is one of political allocation of resources and not one of too many people with too much education. (AL)

Considers that the supply of new scientists and engineers will eventually become limited by the availability of motivated and able young people. Population, enrollment, and employment projections to 1990 suggest that a shortage of graduates will occur in the 1980's. (AL)

Discussed is research about trends in the pool of Ph.D. scientists in the United States. A position is presented that the expansion of the pool has bred a decline in the quality of the pool. (CW)

Projections are analyzed for the future supply and demand of scientists and engineers. The demographics of the college-age population combined with estimates of the percentage of students who will pursue careers in science and engineering indicate significant shortfalls between the supply and demand for the next several decades. (CW)

Traces the decline in United States productivity growth since the late 1960's. Suggests that the failure to innovate, changing demographics, and disruptions to the economy (including oil price increases and inflation) are major contributors to the decline. Argues that American living standards will stagnate unless this trend is reversed. (TW)

Provided are projections for the scientific job market in the 1990s. Predicted are increases in the numbers of engineering positions above the rate of growth for all other occupations. The status and outlook for minority groups are highlighted. (CW)