"In America Needs Talent, Jamie Merisotis, a globally recognized leader in philanthropy, higher education, and public policy, explains why talent is needed to usher in a new era of innovation and success, and why deliberate choices must be made by government, the private sector, education, and individuals to grow talent in America"--Novelist.

The American century: historical perspectives on American economic and social prowess -- A nation at risk: the talent challenge/consequences of failure -- Winning the future: America needs talent -- Talent, you say?: can we define what talent is? -- It's the learning, stupid: reforming our outdated higher education system -- Unleashing private sector innovation: social enterprise and the talent innovation dividend -- US department of talent: a new federal role, not another federal agency -- Immigration, innovation, inspiration: immigrants, immigration policy, and talent -- Restoring the rapids - cities as talent hubs: transforming our urban areas into hubs of commerce and innovation -- The second American century.