More than one in three STEM professionals are approached by rival companies about overseas roles, according to a global survey by staffing firm SThree. Better quality of life and higher pay are the main reasons they consider relocating.
The STEM Workforce Report highlights rising competition for talent in six major economies: the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These countries account for roughly half of global research and development spending and international patent filings, making them central hubs for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics expertise. The survey included 5,391 adults and was conducted in July and August 2025.
STEM workers’ exposure to overseas recruitment varies widely by country. In the UAE, 56% of respondents were approached about roles abroad, while Japan recorded just 5%. European countries cluster around the global average of 35%, with the Netherlands at 44%, Germany at 37%, and the UK at 31%. The figures reflect workers’ residence rather than citizenship.
The survey shows that 19% of STEM professionals plan to move abroad in the next 12 months or are already in the process of doing so. The UAE leads at 34%, followed by the Netherlands at 30%, Germany at 22%, and the UK at 13%. Among those planning to relocate, more than half (57%) have already accepted new positions, suggesting that up to 11% of the global STEM workforce could be on the move in 2026.
Timo Lehne, CEO of SThree, said the trend is driven by more than just salary. “STEM professionals are moving not only for higher pay, but also for quality of life, career development, and balance. Competitiveness is no longer just about salaries, it’s about creating the conditions where people want to build their futures,” he explained.
Quality of life and financial incentives are the leading reasons for relocation. Globally, 32% of respondents cited better quality of life, rising to 44% in the UK. Salary remains a major factor for 31% worldwide, with the UAE and UK reporting 39% and 38%, respectively. Better work-life balance also ranked highly, particularly in the UK at 33%.
STEM professionals are moving in overlapping flows across regions. Talent from the UAE is headed towards Europe, the UK, and North America, while UK-based professionals look to Europe, Australia, and the US. U.S.-based employees often explore opportunities in Europe, the UK, and Canada. In Germany, 39% of STEM leaders reported losing talent in the past year, mainly to the US, Switzerland, and Canada. Motivations include higher salaries, career opportunities, and thriving industry hubs, with Switzerland attracting professionals in pharmaceuticals and Canada drawing talent with quality of life and welcoming immigration policies.
Lehne emphasised that the movement represents not a one-way brain drain but a global exchange of expertise. “All the major STEM nations are betting on scientists, engineers, innovators and technologists to power their economies. This is resulting in huge movements of people, mostly top technical talent attracted to roles in developed STEM economies,” he said.
