China set to overtake the US in STEM talent by 2030
- Natalie Chen
- Topics: Asia-Pacific, China, Home Page - News, News, Recruitment, Talent Management, US
China is producing three times more science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates than the US. While US universities and companies have the bulk of the talent today, China has caught up in terms of undergraduates pursuing STEM degrees and is set to overtake it by 2030.
The two world powers are competing against each other to achieve their military and economic goals. Currently, the US is dominating in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, but experts say this lead is likely to dissipate.
Adam Segal, an expert on emerging technologies and national security, says the US needs to do more at home. The Federal Government has cut its spending on research from 1.1% of its gross domestic product to 0.7%, while China has expanded its own budget.
China will likely be the world’s leading spender on research and development by 2030 according to a report by the US Council on Foreign Relations.
