The global race for talent is on, with countries and businesses competing for the best and brightest. Talented individuals migrate much more frequently than the general population, and the United States has received exceptional inflows of human capital. This foreign talent has transformed US science and engineering, reshaped the economy, and influenced society at large. But America is bogged down in thorny debates on immigration policy, and the world around the United States is rapidly catching up, especially China and India. The future is quite uncertain, and the global talent puzzle deserves close examination.

To do this, William R. Kerr uniquely combines insights and lessons from business practice, government policy, and individual decision-making. Examining popular ideas that have taken hold and synthesizing rigorous research across fields such as entrepreneurship and innovation, regional advantage, and economic policy, Kerr gives voice to data and ideas that should drive the next wave of policy and business practice.

The United States has been the steward of a global gift, and this book explains the huge leadership decision it now faces and how it can become even more competitive for attracting tomorrow's talent.

The book is published by Stanford University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"The book is an invaluable resource." (George J. Borjas, Harvard Kennedy School)

"This book is brilliant, lucid, and timely. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand this crucial topic." (Robert Guest, foreign editor of The Economist)

"This is a must-read for policy makers." (Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California, former secretary of Homeland Security and governor of Arizona)