Book excerpt: CAN AMERICA WIN ITS ECONOMIC FUTURE? "YES," says the Architect of Inclusive Competitiveness (r), Johnathan M. Holifield. In this groundbreaking book - an Innovation Economy leader, civil rights advocate and former NFL athlete - Johnathan shines a bright light on shifting demographic trends in the United States and the dramatic impact this will have on our economic future. Inside these pages you'll learn the potential pitfalls ahead, as well as the extraordinary opportunities for shared socio-economic prosperity. Although the economic narrative of the 20th century served America well, it will not - indeed, it cannot - meet the needs of the 21st century. Calling for "All Hands On Deck," this book lays out an exciting way forward for America to win the future. Johnathan presents a compelling model for a new economic narrative and action framework for leaders in business, government, technology, education, philanthropy and the community, and also shows how important it is and will be to include disconnected Americans - women, Blacks, Hispanics and rural populations - if our country is to maintain its position of global economic leadership. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about the socio-economic future of the U.S. What the experts are saying: "Brilliant! Unlike any other book written on economic development, this one encapsulates the challenges and opportunities of the nation through the lens of economic inclusion and competitiveness ideals. Johnathan has provided America a Rosetta Stone that will unleash America's untapped economic prowess..." JAY W ILLIAMS, FORMER U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT "With a fresh voice, Holifield clearly identifies the economic imperative of our time. Prescribing a realignment of underserved community priorities to incorporate economic competitiveness, his restructuring framework is perceptive, coherent, and transcends political affiliations..." MICHAEL SCHREIBER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ROBERT F. KENNEDY HUMAN RIGHTS "In his new book, "The Future Economy and Inclusive Competitiveness," Johnathan Holifield presents a powerful vision for how the United States can sustain economic growth and wealth creation well in to the future. His vision is based on a compelling modern view of the wealth of nations. In Holifield's view, the wealth of nations is bound up in the interconnectedness of the knowhow, implementable ideas, and information networks of the various ethnic and racial groups and individuals in the economy. He argues that the opportunity for increased economic growth and wealth generation for the United States is presented by the "demographic shift", the so-called browning of America." The key to opening the door to this opportunity is for the private and public sectors to embrace and engage strategies of economic inclusion. Simply put, Holifield argues that the size and robustness of the future US economy is a matter of best practices in a market place of inclusion that stimulates economic competitiveness. Holifield's powerful insight for how economic inclusion can define the future for the US economy is truly a must read." RONALD A. JOHNSON, PhDPRESIDENT, CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY