Management of science and engineering work force in the global R&D environment

The status quo of the science and engineering work force in the United States, Japan, and Europe is analyzed. Future trends and problems are identified, based on the research and development (R&D) policy of each country (R&D expenditure, education, international partnerships, etc.). The authors´ assessment of future trends includes availability of technical manpower resources, the flow of qualified people through the education and training system, the national commitment to R&D, and the outlook for the match between supply and demand in the science and engineering labor market. It is pointed out that uncertainty about whether there will be a sufficient number of scientists and engineers in the future, in the context of the increasingly global R&D environment, presents management challenges to government, education, and industry. Citing Nissan´s examples of partnership on a global scale, the global role and policies of the management seems to be associated with success. none of the core competencies management of the science and engineering work force are examined from an industry point of view