Report: International student population in Michigan generates $825M in annual economic activity
By Jake Bekemeyer
State government officials joined leaders from the Detroit Regional Chamber, private industry, and Digital Lakes to discuss Global Detroit’s newest research, chronicling the growing importance of international student talent to the state’s economic competitiveness. A research report documents the exponential growth of international student talent in Michigan’s economy over the past decade, chronicling a 330% growth rate in the annual number of international students hired by Michigan employers. Global Detroit’s study was based upon first-of-its-kind data obtained by the Pew Research Center tracking international students working in the U.S. under their student visas after graduation. Global Detroit worked with the University Research Corridor, including Wayne State University, and other schools and advocacy groups to launch the Global Talent Retention Initiative in 2011.