The 2024 Science & Engineering Indicators report highlights the state of U.S. science and engineering (S&E). The U.S. leads in total research and development (R&D) spending but is losing ground to countries like China in East and Southeast Asia. The nation's competitiveness in S&E depends on sustained investments in STEM talent, R&D, knowledge translation, and innovation. The National Science Board (NSB) emphasizes the need for a robust, resilient STEM workforce to support economic and national security. The report notes that the U.S. has a STEM workforce of 37 million, with 18 million holding bachelor's degrees. However, there is a talent crisis, with significant gaps in diversity and access to education. The NSB calls for strategic action to expand STEM education, increase access to higher education, and support skilled technical workers. The report also highlights the importance of international collaboration and the need to attract and retain global talent. The U.S. must address challenges such as high education costs, visa restrictions, and disparities in STEM education to ensure it remains a global leader in S&E. The NSB outlines a vision for the future, emphasizing the need for investment in basic research, critical technologies, and the development of a diverse and skilled workforce. The report underscores the importance of closing the STEM talent gap to maintain the U.S. position as a global leader in science and engineering.The 2024 Science & Engineering Indicators report highlights the state of U.S. science and engineering (S&E). The U.S. leads in total research and development (R&D) spending but is losing ground to countries like China in East and Southeast Asia. The nation's competitiveness in S&E depends on sustained investments in STEM talent, R&D, knowledge translation, and innovation. The National Science Board (NSB) emphasizes the need for a robust, resilient STEM workforce to support economic and national security. The report notes that the U.S. has a STEM workforce of 37 million, with 18 million holding bachelor's degrees. However, there is a talent crisis, with significant gaps in diversity and access to education. The NSB calls for strategic action to expand STEM education, increase access to higher education, and support skilled technical workers. The report also highlights the importance of international collaboration and the need to attract and retain global talent. The U.S. must address challenges such as high education costs, visa restrictions, and disparities in STEM education to ensure it remains a global leader in S&E. The NSB outlines a vision for the future, emphasizing the need for investment in basic research, critical technologies, and the development of a diverse and skilled workforce. The report underscores the importance of closing the STEM talent gap to maintain the U.S. position as a global leader in science and engineering.