Page 2 - ARCS Oregon Case Statement

universi6es and the United States became the world leader in research and innova6on, and its
higher educa6on system the model and envy of the world.
The Challenge – Parallels Between 1958 and Today
Although the actors and circumstances di?er, the parallels between 1958 and today's
'Sputnik moment' are striking. Both eras are characterized by intense geopolitical
competition and rapid technological advancements. In 1958, the launch of Sputnik served
as a wake-up call for the United States, leading to significant investments in education,
research, and infrastructure. Similarly, today's challenges, including cybersecurity, artificial
intelligence, and climate science have prompted calls for a renewed focus on innovation
and preparedness.
The United States has long been recognized as a global leader in innova6on and technological
advancement. This dominance, however, is not guaranteed in perpetuity. As other na6ons make
significant strides in science, technology, engineering, and mathema6cs (STEM), the US must
bolster its investment in STEM PhDs to maintain its compe66ve edge. According to the Na6onal
Science Founda6on, China awarded the highest number of Science &Engineering (S&E) doctoral
degrees (43,000), followed closely by the United States (42,000), which China surpassed in
2019. AXer experiencing rapid growth in the mid-2010s, the number of S&E doctorates awarded
in India dropped to 17,000 in 2020, falling slightly below the number awarded by the United
Kingdom. Other top producers of S&E doctoral degrees include Germany (14,000), Brazil
(9,000), South Korea and France (about 8,000 each), and Japan (7,000). Among these countries,
South Korea increased S&E doctoral degree produc6on at the fastest rate (49%) from 2011 to
2020.
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