By Audrey Russo, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council
We talk a good game around here about globalism, diversity, inclusion, and internationalism, but what are we really doing to ensure that a.) we are attracting and facilitating the immigration of top international talent into our regional economy and b.) the fresh talent graduating from our world-class universities, colleges and high schools is adequately prepared to drive success and create wealth in our modern world? If both of these essential elements aren’t overtly present in our region’s workforce, how can we expect to accelerate innovation and help our universities commercialize their invaluable intellectual property?
Furthermore, we can pontificate all we want about how this region used to be one of the world’s most diverse and speculate why it is a shell of its former self in this regard. But, when it comes down to it, these are mere rationalizations that are not creating momentum (and replenishment) in the region’s development. We need to take decisive steps toward ensuring that we not only are attracting top talent from around the world, but that we are cultivating a globally-conscious home-grown talent pool as well.
In the past year, I was fortunate enough to travel to Germany twice and Italy once under sponsorships from the German Marshall Fund and the American Council on Germany. As someone who has travelled extensively nationally and internationally for my career, these last two trips further molded and changed my personal view of the world. While I was in Europe, what I saw and felt was completely different from the last time I was there about a decade ago - Uh oh, it must be true then – the world keeps moving and I keep changing! How can WE, SWPA, keep up with the interdependencies of our global economies, while simultaneously fanning the flame of regional vitality for SWPA?
It is essential that we instill a genuine appreciation of the nuances of different cultures as well as a love for travel in future generations. For this to work, we have to start early. We cannot expect companies to develop expatriate programs for employees overnight (or at all for that matter). Conversely, we must ensure that graduating college seniors have skills that demonstrate multicultural perspective, open-mindedness and a thirst for collaboration.
I propose the following doctrine and longitudinal experiment for the leaders in the technology community and members of corporate entities:
1. As part of the Pittsburgh Promise, every high school student will spend at least 12 weeks abroad, living with a family in another country. It would be a requirement for graduation.
2. As part of the Pittsburgh Promise, every college student must spend at least one semester outside of the US. (and, no, a spring vacation in Cancun does not count).
3. As part of high school graduation criteria, every high school student in SWPA must spend the equivalent of 500 hours volunteering for a community-based program that provides services to people who live below the poverty line.
4. Every high school student in SWPA must complete three years of at least one
foreign language.
5. Every high school sets a minimum target of international students attending their school each year.
At a time when our youth is the most impressionable and is simultaneously battling intense peer pressure, these substantial experiences will have life-altering impact. These students will demand nothing less than an internationally diverse workforce. And just think what Pittsburgh will be known for: progressive thinking, active learning, a commitment to the future and a generation of talent that will demonstrate the legacy of this region.
