Studies have shown that people of color continue to be underrepresented in the innovation sector. For instance, according to Pew Research Center, black and Hispanic people comprise 11 and 16 percent of the US workforce, respectively, but account for only 4 and 7 percent of employees in life sciences.

The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation found that this troubling trend is also reflected here. About 34 percent of the local population is Hispanic, but only 17 percent of our innovation economy workers are. White and Asian people are overrepresented in STEM fields both in San Diego and nationwide.

So what can be done? The EDC and 40 employers have launched an effort to bolster the local talent pipeline, with a special focus on underrepresented populations, in order to double the number of homegrown skilled workers by 2030. It’s estimated that 20 occupations will account for half the growth in the innovation economy over the next 10 years, so piquing kids’ interest early and investing in education are imperative. Boosting small businesses and addressing San Diego’s affordability crisis are also among the EDC’s goals.

Tags: Business, Innovation, Jobs, Research, Tip Sheet