Competition of the mind.

BYLINE: John Engler

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. In an era of unprecedented global competition, the realization that the U.S. is still the world's No. 1 manufacturing powerhouse strikes many as pure fiction.

But it's true. We are succeeding in the face of this competition because in the past century our manufacturing economy has emerged reborn -- reborn from the assembly lines to an innovative, technical and highly skilled career.

But in all the changes to our economy and global competition, we have lost sight of the competitive advantages that brought our success here home: smart, skilled and qualified employees. In today's economy, the demand for a ready work …