The Importance of Foreign STEM Talent to U.S. Competitiveness
Science and engineering in the United States has always been driven by a skilled workforce, and foreign talent has played a key role in that. According to a recent report on competitiveness in science and engineering published by the National Science Board (NSB), critical advances in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and materials science depend largely on foreign-born scientists and engineers.
Why does this matter? The global landscape is changing rapidly. The competition for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) talent is no longer limited to the United States. Other countries are investing heavily in research, infrastructure, and human capital in an effort to attract the world’s best talent. While the United States continues to attract outstanding students and professionals, its reliance on foreign talent, especially from countries such as China and India, reveals both an advantage and a vulnerability.
Key Facts:
- In 2021, there were 36.8 million people in STEM occupations in the United States, representing about 24% of the total U.S. workforce.
- Workers born outside the country made up 19% of all STEM professionals and 43% of scientists and engineers with doctorates.
- Approximately 58% of computer scientists and mathematicians with doctorates working on critical technologies such as artificial intelligence were born outside the United States.
The Role of International Students: Between 2018 and 2021, more than one-third of U.S. science and engineering doctoral students were foreign-born, many of whom expressed an intention to remain in the country. However, data indicate that more Chinese students are returning to their home countries, posing a challenge for the U.S. in retaining this talent.
The Path Forward: The NSB highlights the need for greater investment in domestic STEM workforce training, but recognizes that foreign talent remains essential to the country’s strength in this field. Attracting students from emerging science countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal is seen as a promising strategy for expanding the international talent pool.
The U.S. response must be multifaceted, balancing attracting the world’s brightest minds with cultivating a local talent pool capable of leading the next wave of innovation. This will not only ensure the country’s continued technological advancement, but also reinforce its position as a global leader in science and engineering.
Schaffert Law recognizes the importance of foreign talent to U.S. innovation and competitiveness and stands ready to support those who wish to contribute to this growth by assisting them with their immigration processes. If you are a STEM professional considering immigrating to the U.S., our team is available to guide you through every step of the process.
SOURCE: [https://www.axios.com/2024/03/13/us-workforce-foreign-born-stem-research]
