Degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are critical for supporting innovation, research, and growth in high-tech sectors that are driving the 21st-century economy. It is therefore crucial for Illinois to focus on increasing the number of STEM graduates and ensuring these individuals pursue careers within the state. Research indicates that employees with STEM degrees have a significant and long-lasting impact on cities: economist Enrico Moretti, a professor at UC Berkeley and author of The New Geography of Jobs, released last year, determined that every new high-tech position in a metro area results in an average of five additional local jobs—two in professional fields and three in nonprofessional fields. This virtuous cycle means that as innovation hubs attract talent, they trigger an increase in employment and investment, attracting even more talent.
To read the original article: STEM attainment in Illinois and talent migration trends in Chicago - Blue Sky Innovation
