Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, this report highlights the critical role of U.S. STEM workforce in driving innovation, economic competitiveness, and national security. It emphasizes the importance of recruiting both international and domestic talent to maintain U.S. leadership in science and technology. The report emphasizes the increasing global competition for top scientific talent and the rise of international talent programs aimed at attracting skilled individuals. Separate chapters provide details on these programs, including recruitment efforts by China, Russia, Iran and other “countries of concern.” The authors worry that the post-World War II American leadership in the STEM field is under serious threat. They develop a number of recommendations to enhance the U.S.’s ability to attract and retain international talent. Key recommendations include the development of a coordinated, whole-of-government talent strategy overseen by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). This strategy should focus on recruiting and retaining international researchers and fostering robust international research collaborations while ensuring openness, transparency, and integrity. The report also addresses national security concerns, suggesting that risk assessments should be project-specific rather than based on demographics. It advocates for policies that do not hinder international collaborations in fundamental research. Additionally, the report calls for legislative and executive actions to create more accessible pathways to permanent residency and citizenship for foreign-born STEM experts, emphasizing the need for updated immigration policies.
International Talent Programs in the Changing Global Environment,
National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2024,
161 pp. (exclusive of appendices)
Editors: Mark A. Barteau & Sarah M. Robito