Stories of technology taking center stage in the intense competition among global powers are increasingly common in today's media. The U.S., China, Russia and increasingly other actors are making moves and counter moves as they jostle for power through technological prowess. Nations that advance their technology faster than their rivals gain economic, cultural, and military power, which they can leverage to achieve political goals. What is talked about less is how these large-scale geopolitical forces impact how organizations in the STEM fields recruit and keep the cutting-edge technologists they need to drive innovation.
For many, coming to the U.S. is the fulfillment of a dream to live a better life. It is an opportunity to let their natural talents shine, regardless of the field of human endeavor. This is especially true in the STEM fields. Opportunities for academic advancement and career growth that were perhaps off-limits in their home country, become possible here. It is no surprise then that many of America’s technological innovations have been driven by talented individuals from abroad. Thanks to a largely open ecosystem that rewards talent, countless immigrants and expats have come to the U.S., playing an indispensable role in turning the impossible into reality. For many, the professional journey of forging ahead in the STEM fields professionally leads them to lay down roots in their new home, America. In a real sense, in the act of achieving their personal and professional dreams, many become Americans.
But things get tricky for employers when these two dynamics intersect. On the one hand, there is a steady stream of news reports highlighting how adversarial nation-states attempt to obtain technology by any means necessary. This includes cyberattacks and, often, leveraging their diaspora to steal technology. On the other hand, employers want to hire the brightest people without regard to the geopolitical landscape. However, if an employer relies on mission-critical intellectual property, they may hesitate to hire a highly qualified candidate from a country perceived as adversarial.
This presents a lost opportunity to both the employer and the prospective employee. This is where SpyGraph Systems comes in. Our mission is to enable companies to vet prospective and current employees for nation-state influence. By approving candidates, we empower employers to hire the best people regardless of their country of origin, and provide prospective and current employees with a fair playing field, ensuring that they have access to career development opportunities that their exceptional talent merits.
Of course, government policy is outside the control of businesses, universities and other organizations. Given this national dynamic, organizational leaders should consider staffing policies that balance the protection of intellectual property with attracting global talent, from wherever it comes. Protecting current technology is not enough; we must also prioritize cultivating future innovation.
At SpyGraph Systems, we believe that businesses, universities, government bodies and every type of organization that relies on IP should strive for this dual goal. Yes, protect your innovations, but also safeguard the culture of innovation that fuels future breakthroughs. This requires methods to distinguish well-meaning STEM employees or candidates, regardless of origin, from those who might be swayed to steal intellectual property. SpyGraph Systems is committed to helping your organization find the balance between protecting intellectual property and cultivating a culture of innovation.
SpyGraph Systems
Defending innovation, and the innovators!
By Tim Brothers, Founder of SpyGraph Systems