A Quarter of US-Trained Scientists Eventually Leave. Is the US Giving Away Its Edge?
arxiv.org
Using newly-assembled data from 1980 through 2024, we show that 25% of scientifically-active, US-trained STEM PhD graduates leave the US within 15 years of graduating. Leave rates are lower in the life sciences and higher in AI and quantum science but overall have been stable for decades. Contrary to common perceptions, US technology benefits from these graduates' work even if they leave: though the US share of global patent citations to graduates' science drops from 70% to 50% after migrating, it remains five times larger than the destination country share, and as large as all other countries combined. These results highlight the value that the US derives from training foreign scientists - not only when they stay, but even when they leave.
  • tangeli@piefed.socialEnglish
    1·
    13 hours ago

    The US doesn’t own these people so can’t give them away.

    The probably paid for their education, or someone did on their behalf. The US rarely gives education to foreigners for free.

    These results highlight the value that the US derives from training foreign scientists - not only when they stay, but even when they leave.

    The US benefits from these hard working, intelligent people who paid for their education, even if they leave the country. So what exactly is the problem that concerns you and what do you suggest should be done about it?