In the global race to develop knowledge-based economies, the proportion of students pursuing science, technology and engineering fields is considered one of the key indicators for measuring countries’ scientific capacity. The latest UNESCO data shows that Asian countries remain at the forefront of producing specialized talent in these areas, while Iran has also secured a position among countries with a significant share of science and engineering graduates, ranking ahead of many major economies.
According to the data, China leads the countries surveyed, with 41% of all university graduates specializing in science and engineering fields. It is followed by Russia with 37% and Germany with 36%. Iran ranks next with 33%, ahead of India with 30%, France and Mexico with 26%, the US and Indonesia with 20%, Japan with 19%, and Brazil with 17%.
The figures show that nearly one-third of Iranian university graduates have studied science and engineering, a share that exceeds that of some industrialized and advanced economies. This situation points to the significant capacity of Iran’s higher education system in developing specialized human resources for technological, industrial and research sectors. If supported by suitable employment opportunities and infrastructure, this capacity could become a driving force for economic growth.
Another part of UNESCO’s data focuses on the share of women among science and engineering graduates, an indicator that presents a different picture from common perceptions regarding women’s participation in technical and engineering fields. In this ranking, Oman leads with 55%, followed by Qatar with 51.3%, India with 45.7%, Saudi Arabia with 41.5%, Italy with 39%, the US with 38%, and the UK with 34.1%.
Iran, with a recorded share of 33.3%, also ranks above several European and developed countries. According to the figures, the share of Iranian women among science and engineering graduates is higher than in Australia with 32.4%, the Netherlands with 32%, France with 31.9%, Germany with 27.7%, South Korea with 26.5%, and Switzerland with 24.3%. The data suggests that Middle Eastern countries, contrary to some widespread stereotypes, have achieved notable performance in certain indicators of women’s participation in technical and engineering education.
A simultaneous comparison of the two indicators shows that Iran not only ranks among countries with strong performance in terms of the overall share of science and engineering graduates, but has also achieved a competitive position in women’s participation in these fields. However, turning this human capital into an economic advantage requires the expansion of specialized labor markets, greater investment in knowledge-based industries, stronger links between universities and industry, support for innovation, and the creation of equal opportunities to utilize the capabilities of skilled women and men.
Under such conditions, educational statistics can move beyond representing an academic achievement and become a strategic advantage for economic growth, technological development and improving Iran’s position in the global economy.
NOURNEWS