Illinois Statutes Chapter 20. Executive Branch § 701/5. Statement of findings

(1) Illinois must compete in an increasingly global economy characterized by the use of advanced technologies to create new products and services and increase the efficiency of production;

(2) those new technologies include, but are not limited to, advanced telecommunications and computer technologies; advanced developments in biotechnology relating to health, medical science, and agriculture; advanced manufacturing methods; and advanced materials development;

(3) to successfully compete in the new economy, Illinois needs workers who are highly skilled in scientific, technical, and engineering occupations, including engineers; life and physical scientists; mathematical specialists; engineering and science technicians; computer specialists; and engineering, scientific, and computer managers;

(4) workers in these occupations need in-depth knowledge of the theories and principles of science, engineering, and mathematics; and

(5) there is a need to increase the number of secondary and postsecondary students preparing for and entering high technology occupations.