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February 2026
Talent is critical to the U.S. science and engineering enterprise and competitiveness. The U.S. science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce represented about a quarter of the total domestic workforce in 2023, with distinct education, employment, and wage patterns. Recent assessments reveal incomplete recovery for U.S. K–12 students from pandemic-related STEM learning losses. STEM degree production grew at U.S. higher education institutions at all levels between 2013 and 2023. In 2023, the United States was the leading destination for international students, despite a small decline in overall share since 2013.
Continue Reading >July 2025
The funding and performance of research and experimental development (R&D) activities and the publication of peer-reviewed research, an output of R&D activity, serve as important indicators of the competitiveness of U.S. science and engineering in a global context. According to internationally comparable data, the United States had the largest national R&D investment in 2022—above China, Japan, and Germany—and this investment was driven primarily by the business sector. The United States also remains a leader in peer-reviewed research publications in terms of output, scientific impact, and international collaborations.
Continue Reading >May 2024
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.
Continue Reading >May 2024
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.
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Covers major developments in the U.S. and global S&E enterprise, including education, workforce, R&D, invention and innovation, high-tech industry, and public attitudes and understanding.
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Compare states on S&E measures.
Data updated frequently.
EXPLORE STATE INDICATORS >
Video overview of the SEI website and associated tools.
Select a Topic to see related content.
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The NSB establishes NSF policies and advises Congress and the President on S&E and S&E education policy.
VISIT THE NSB WEBSITE >
NCSES is the nation’s leading provider of statistical data on the U.S. S&E enterprise.
VISIT THE NCSES WEBSITE >
An official website of the United States government
