This paper describes career pathways, a framework or approach by which regions can better align publicly supported systems and programs to build a knowledge-economy workforce customized to the needs of local labor markets. A career pathway is a series of connected education and training programs and support services that enable individuals to secure employment within a specific industry or occupational sector, and to advance over time to successively higher levels of education and employment in that sector. Each step on a career pathway is designed explicitly to prepare the participant for the next level of employment and education. This report, the first in a series called Pathways to Competitiveness, lays out the economic justification for career pathways, describes the process involved, and sets the stage for the remaining reports. (Contains 1 chart, 2 tables, and 2 figures.)