"Global Tech Talent Shifts as U.S. Policies Create Openings Abroad"

Openness to foreign talent is increasingly being recognized as a critical factor for the growth of non-U.S. tech hubs in Europe and Asia. As U.S. immigration policies become more restrictive—marked by tightened visa policies and a broader skepticism toward immigration—opportunities for other regions to attract global talent are growing. This shift is particularly evident in the context of rising demand for STEM professionals and the increasing importance of AI development, where openness is seen as a strategic advantage for countries aiming to secure a competitive edge in the global tech race.

Hans Tung, managing partner at Notable Capital, emphasized this point at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference, noting that Europe, in particular, has a significant opportunity to attract international STEM talent and foster innovation in AI. He highlighted how the U.S.’s changing political climate could create space for other regions to step up and lead. Similarly, Wendy Tan White, CEO of Intrinsic, a robotics firm owned by Alphabet, pointed to a shortage of local talent as a constraint for U.S. manufacturing ambitions, arguing that intelligent automation and foreign expertise are essential to maintaining domestic production levels. This sentiment was echoed in recent events, such as an ICE raid on an LG-Hyundai factory in Georgia, which detained hundreds of Korean workers and sparked broader concerns about the impact of U.S. immigration enforcement on international labor partnerships.

While the U.S. has long dominated the global tech sector, recent developments in Asia and Europe are challenging this narrative. Chinese tech firms, for example, are pushing the boundaries of AI development with open-source models that are compelling U.S. firms to respond in kind. Meanwhile, China’s focus on “embodied AI”—the integration of AI into physical systems—has positioned it as a leader in industrial robotics and AI-driven automation. With nearly half of the world’s industrial robots produced in China, the country is leveraging a synergy between hardware and software innovation to advance its technological capabilities. This trend is not confined to China alone, as countries like Germany are also recognized for their manufacturing expertise.

Europe is also making strides in attracting tech talent through a combination of government incentives, a diverse workforce, and a business-friendly environment. Cities like London, Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to traditional U.S. tech hubs. The European Economic Development Board and other regional authorities are promoting policies that encourage startups and tech firms to establish a global presence. For example, Singapore’s executive vice president, Chan Ih-Ming, emphasized the importance of global collaboration and the need for businesses to think beyond local markets, pointing out that interconnectedness is a key driver of innovation.

In addition to Europe and Asia, smaller nations like Singapore and the UAE are also positioning themselves as emerging leaders in AI and tech innovation. These countries are leveraging their financial resources, global connections, and attractive immigration policies to create environments where international talent can thrive. The CBRE Global Tech Talent Guidebook highlights that the largest tech talent markets are concentrated in Asia-Pacific, with cities like Bengaluru, Beijing, and Shanghai each hosting more than one million tech workers. The report also underscores the growing importance of AI-related talent, particularly in the U.S., India, and the U.K., where demand for AI professionals is outpacing supply.

As the global tech landscape evolves, the competition for talent is intensifying, and countries that remain open and adaptive are likely to emerge as the next leaders in innovation. While the U.S. continues to lead in AI development and venture capital funding—accounting for the lion’s share of global VC investment in 2024—the broader narrative is shifting toward a more distributed and interconnected global tech ecosystem. This environment, driven by policy, innovation, and global collaboration, is redefining how talent is sourced, deployed, and integrated into the next phase of technological advancement.