Roughly three-quarters of the science and engineering (S&E) doctorate recipients on temporary visas who received their degrees from U.S. higher education institutions from 2017 to 2019 remained in the United States approximately 5 years after graduation. China and India were by far the most common countries of origin during this time. The short-term stay rates for S&E doctorate recipients from China (83%) and India (86%) were among the highest and were significantly higher than the average across all countries of origin (73%). Data are from the Survey of Earned Doctorates and the Survey of Doctorate recipients, both conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics within the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers make important contributions to improve the nation's living standards, economic growth, and global competitiveness. This report touches on the size, growth, education, salary, and diversity of the STEM workforce. STEM occupations cover a diverse range of opportunities, including those not typically considered STEM (e.g., mechanics, electricians, and carpenters). More than 36 million people work in STEM occupations, of which more than half did not have a bachelor's degree. In addition, workers in STEM occupations have higher employment rates and higher median earnings than their non-STEM counterparts.

Investment in research and development (R&D) is essential for a country’s success in the global economy and for its ability to address challenges and opportunities. R&D contributes to innovation and competitiveness. In 2021, the business sector was the leading performer and funder of U.S. R&D. The federal government was the second-largest overall funding source and the largest funding source for U.S. basic research; the higher education sector was the largest performer of basic research. Based on internationally comparable estimates, the United States had the highest R&D expenditures in 2021, followed by China, Japan, and Germany.

Knowledge- and technology-intensive (KTI) industries are those with high and medium-high R&D intensity. They include 10 manufacturing and 3 services industries. This report discusses U.S. and global KTI production patterns and international trade. The report shows that KTI industries value added account for about a 10th of U.S. GDP. In 2022, China and the United States were the top two producers of KTI output, each representing over a quarter of global KTI value added. And China has been the leading KTI manufacturing exporter since 2008. In 2022, the United States and Germany were the next largest KTI goods exporters.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and COVID-19 research are two areas that have complex challenges that both domestic and international institutions are motivated to overcome. A concentration on domestic research can indicate the presence of sufficient domestic knowledge and resources or an interest in preserving in-house expertise. This InfoBrief examines the extent to which top producers of science and engineering articles engaged in domestic and international collaborations in AI and COVID-19 research.

The global competitiveness of the United States is supported through the nation’s STEM talent, R&D-driven discovery, and translation of knowledge into the economy and society through innovation. The United States is the largest performer of R&D, but the overall balance of global science and engineering (S&E) resources and activity continues a long-term shift toward other areas of the world. The United States is distinguished by the strength of U.S. universities as destinations for international students, its highly cited and collaborative S&E research, and its leadership in high-technology services.

The practical application of science and technology starts with invention and leads to innovation, job creation, and new business formation. Every sector, including governments and universities, plays an important part in these activities through knowledge transfer activities. This thematic report provides patent data by technology area and geography to illustrate trends in invention in the United States and internationally. Relevant data on trademarks are also presented. In addition, indicators are included that measure the transfer of knowledge and technologies from federal agencies and universities to businesses. Trends in the financing of innovation are presented through data on federal funding for small businesses and venture capital investments.

This report describes confidence in science, understanding of scientific research and new topics such as neurotechnology and artificial intelligence, and engagement with science through media and scientific activities. The majority of U.S. adults—77% as of September 2022—express at least a fair amount of confidence in scientists to act in the public interest. Evidence also suggests perceptions of new science and technology topics may change as experiences grow. U.S. adults with greater understanding of scientific logic tend to express more trust in scientists to act in society’s best interests than do those with less understanding.

Academic publications in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings are an important medium where scientific discoveries are made and shared. This report presents data that reflect the expanding volume of research activity, variations in scientific impact, and a growing research ecosystem of international and domestic collaborations. Publication output grew 5% over the past 4 years, led by China and other middle-income countries. Also, over the last 4 years, publications classified as open access increased by over 8%, while articles in closed-access journals rose by almost 4%.

Higher education in science and engineering (S&E) develops the talent that sustains the U.S. S&E enterprise. This report describes U.S. undergraduate and graduate education in S&E and S&E-related fields with international comparisons. The number of S&E certificates and degrees awarded is increasing, as is the share of all degrees awarded in S&E fields. Representation of women varies by S&E field, and some racial and ethnic groups remain underrepresented in S&E degree attainment. The United States is among the top countries in awarding S&E degrees and S&E graduate enrollment of international students has increased rapidly since 2020.