Harvard Business Review

I just read most of the recent issue of HBR (March 2012); this issue should be required reading for every level and branch of government, every Chamber of Commerce Board, every member of the C- Suite, every college and university president and list goes on.  Wow!  The issue contains articles on the importance of US competitiveness, the criticality of manufacturing, the challenges to our competitiveness, rethinking our approach to education (incorporating new tools), fixing our political system, reviving entrepreneurship and how GE is sparking their manufacturing renewal.  Our many competitive strengths as a nation seem to be waning a bit.  Our renewal is dependent on our business leaders taking the lead to address our weaknesses, i.e. our education system, information technology shortcomings, our declining aerospace and defense industries, much needed enhancements to our auto industry, just to name a few.  Government needs to follow with addressing our tax code, our declining infrastructure, over-regulation of business and paving the way for the work of our business leaders.  The Dean of Harvard's School of Business, writes, "our problems are huge, but not insurmountable; we can move forward even when it's difficult to craft political compromise and even in a climate where businesses are feeling public hostility."  The time for action is now.   Go out and get your copy of the March HBR and then be inspired to do something.