2021-11-23-ITIF-评估美国经济中的数字技能状况（英）_32页_645kb

Assessed State of Digital Skills in the U.S. Economy

Key Findings

• Prevalence of Low Digital Skills: One-third of working-age Americans possess limited or no digital skills; 1 in 6 cannot use email, web search, or basic online tools.
• Gaps in Specific Industries: Construction, transportation, and hospitality sectors show particularly high rates of workers with low digital skills.
• Rising Demand: Digital skills requirements for U.S. jobs have increased significantly; occupations requiring medium-to-high digital skills now make up over 70% of jobs.
• Economic Impact: Higher digital skill levels correlate with higher wages (4% salary increase for every 10% increase in ICT-task intensity).
• International Comparisons: U.S. ranks 29th globally in digital skills proficiency across business, technology, and data science.

Digital Skills Education and Training

• Computer Science Education: Only 25% of U.S. high schools offer computer science; underrepresentation of women in STEM fields.
• Workforce Training Investment: U.S. public spending on active labor market programs is just 0.1% of GDP, below OECD averages.

Policy Recommendations

1. Expand computer science education and certification in high schools.
2. Increase federal funding for STEM-focused schools.
3. Raise the limit and index Section 127 tax credits for employer-provided tuition assistance.
4. Establish a Knowledge Tax Credit to incentivize firm investments in R&D and workforce training.