In today’s rapidly transforming economy, one thing has become clear: States that invest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics talent drive more economic growth and are more competitive and prosperous.
To compete today and in the future, we recognize that if we are not moving forward, we are falling behind. Put more simply, Arkansas stands at an inflection point.
Last month, Heartland Forward released a report, Engineers, Computer Scientists and Data Scientists as Drivers of Economic Growth, in which the Bentonville-based think tank found that if the University of Arkansas College of Engineering in Fayetteville doubles its number of graduates and research and retains that talent at its current rate within Arkansas, we can add $3.9 billion to the state’s economy by 2038.
We know that demand for STEM professionals has skyrocketed as technology becomes increasingly embedded in every industry — from advanced manufacturing and aerospace to steel and lithium. We expect 58,000 STEM jobs in Arkansas by 2038, but we need more professionals to meet that growing demand. As it stands, Arkansas has one of the nation’s lowest shares of workers with engineering and computer science degrees. That is where our state’s leaders have a unique opportunity to step in and make a difference.
We can prioritize our regional competitiveness by choosing to act now. By doubling the number of graduates and research conducted at the UA College of Engineering, we could realize a 1.6 percentage point increase in our state’s gross domestic product, accounting for additional revenue and helping fill the gap of 19,000 expected engineering and computer science-related job openings in Arkansas by 2038.
Beyond simply job creation, let’s consider the positive impact investing in STEM education will have on our local communities. The college of engineering contributes more than $100 million annually to the state’s GDP. With a strategic focus on growth, that impact could double within the next 15 years. Increased investment in programs, state-of-the-art facilities, labs, faculty and staff will all contribute to an environment where Arkansas becomes a magnet for top regional talent across the region.
Consider this — the Heartland study’s data shows that states prioritizing engineering and computer science education tend to enjoy higher GDP per worker. From 2012 to 2022, state-level GDP per worker rose from $111,575 to $141,907 on average, with a quarter of that increase attributable to the output of engineering colleges. In Arkansas, the potential is even more considerable.
While the numbers are compelling, this is about more than dollars and cents. Investing in STEM represents an investment in Arkansas’ broader future — in the quality of life we want to develop for communities in every corner of our state. By strengthening the college of engineering and our STEM workforce, we support the creation of an environment that produces high-quality, high-paying, high-demand jobs that will keep our talent at home. This investment will undoubtedly have a downstream effect, spurring other sectors of our economy, such as housing and health care, as the university produces more engineering talent.
The path forward is clear — increased investment and continued collaboration from across industry, government, education and philanthropy. This partnership can uplift Arkansas’ GDP, support local businesses and industry, and enhance the quality of life for communities of all sizes. A strong engineering workforce in Arkansas will power innovation, stimulate entrepreneurship and uplift our economy, all vital for addressing our state and nation’s most complex challenges, but we must do it together, and we must do it now.
Kim LaScola Needy is the dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
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