Jim Clifton

Entrepreneurship & Essential Ingredients to U.S. Competitive Advantage

Erik Schatzker, Jim Clifton, John Danhakl, Adena Friedman, Julie Sweet

Panelists Julie Sweet, Jim Clifton, and Adina Friedman warn that the United States faces a critical decline in entrepreneurial momentum and GDP per capita, driven by a failing education system, stagnant startup formation, and restrictive immigration policies. While global rivals like China and Sweden outpace American innovation through targeted tax incentives and cultural support, the domestic landscape is suffering from a collapse in IPO activity and a disconnect between intellectual capacity and independent business creation. To counter these trends, experts advocate for structural reforms including expanded apprenticeships, private sector-led reskilling initiatives, and reduced regulatory burdens to restore the U.S. competitive edge.