The importance of science and technology to a competitive U.S. economy cannot be underestimated.

As our world becomes more technologically complex —and more reliant on technology to solve today's pressing problems — the demand for skilled scientists and engineers will continue to grow.

That's why we should pay attention to those who say we're not gaining ground in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

The latest report came Tuesday from a national coalition of business groups known as TAP (Tapping America's Potential).

TAP points to the unimpressive increase in the number of STEM bachelor's degrees nationwide: from 201,055 in 2001 to a mere 225,660 in 2006.

TAP wants that number to reach 400,000 by 2015. All this and more is needed to keep us competitive in a global arena.

This will require greater public investment not only in colleges, but in primary and high schools, where the seeds of interest in STEM fields are planted by innovative, inspiring teachers.

The timing is right. Ever-higher oil prices have already triggered development of alternative energy technologies, which covers a broad range of science disciplines. And there's no doubt that energy sustainability is among the most critical issues facing the world today.

Gov. Linda Lingle wants Hawai'i to use clean energy sources for 70 percent of its needs by 2030.

How fast and how far we progress will certainly depend on Hawai'i's students, wondering if a career in high technology is right for them. Let's hope more say yes.

Last year, Lingle signed Act 111, which established two STEM academies on Kaua'i and funded programs to advance the skills of science and math teachers in elementary and high schools.

She has also promoted robotics to encourage teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of a STEM education.

That's good, but the numbers show more needs to be done. At the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, science and engineering bachelor's degrees made up just 13.4 percent of the total for 2005-06. That's the third-lowest percentage since 1985-86, when it was 21.3 percent.

Hawai'i public school test scores, reported by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also show room for improvement. Eighth-grade math scores have steadily improved, but science scores show little progress. In both cases, the scores remain below national averages.

In these tough economic times, investing in our future is important. And in the education arena, a focus on STEM programs is sure to yield a good return.