Major developments are occurring worldwide that have brought about an interdependent global economy. At the same time, demographic changes are reshaping the American work force. How we respond to these forces will shape our nation's viability and well-being. Ultimately, success in economic competition is determined in the workplace. Many of our businesses face the need to modernize, restructure how work is done, and better use technological advances to compete effectively. The resulting increase in skill demands will place a high priority on workers' abilities to adapt to new methods of operation and to acquire new skills. With future work force growth dependent upon recruiting traditionally underrecruited groups such as women, minorities, and immigrants, new approaches to human resource management will be required. Many American businesses are already addressing these socioeconomic shifts through integrated business planning, resource allocation, and human resource development. Similarly, states must bring together their education, employment and training, and economic development systems. (RJS)