Skip to content

Is STEM enough to win in the innovation economy?

Phil McKinney
Phil McKinney
— 1 min read
The Innovators Studio podcast cover art: Is STEM enough to win in the innovation economy?

Is STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) the answer to preparing our kids to be the innovators of the future? That’s the question I was recently asked during the Q&A session at the end of a speech. Based on what other attendees said, I got myself wound up about the question and my belief on what is really needed.

In a nutshell, while STEM is a great start, its not sufficient to win in the emerging creative / innovation economy.

Whats missing?

  • Critical thinking skills
  • Discovering personal creativity
  • Learn that failure builds self-confidence

Listen to this weeks shows - "Is STEM enough to win in the innovation economy?"


[social align="center"]

Past ShowsStudio SessionsCritical Thinking Skillsinnovation economySTEM

Phil McKinney Twitter

Phil McKinney is an innovator, podcaster, author, and speaker. He is the retired CTO of HP. Phil's book, Beyond The Obvious, shares his expertise and lessons learned on innovation and creativity.


Related Posts

How To Build Innovation Teams (My Playbook From HP and CableLabs)

How to build innovation teams, from the playbook I used at HP and CableLabs: culture before hiring, the right roles, the Idea Fund, and the right metrics

Image of how to build innovation teams. Portions are generated by AI.

How To Improve Your Analytical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking judges a claim. Analytical thinking works the problem: break it apart, find what is really driving it, and test your read before acting.

How To Improve Your Analytical Thinking Skills

Never Forget: 25 Years Remembering Charles Falkenberg and His Family

First written September 11, 2008. Updated for the 25th anniversary, September 11, 2026.

Charles Falkenberg and his famly