The US economy — still the biggest in the world, by far — drives and thrives on innovation. But innovation, as we know, depends on the best minds in the world. No top talent, no next new thing. Put it this way: A + B = C. (Or maybe: E = MC2.)
One way we can get the talent we need is to retain those completing graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (often called STEM) at world-beating US universities. Instead of going home with US degrees to work for foreign competitors, we can help them stay here and work for American companies. Or better yet, put their high-skilled expertise to use starting new companies that continue to grow our high-tech economy and create new jobs. (more…)