Catalyze NC

Unlocking Tomorrow’s Workforce With Innovation And Immigration

Over the last decade, North Carolina has become the bedrock of innovation across a number of industries, including agriculture, technology, and education, spurring economic growth and a demand for a robust workforce.

North Carolina and national leaders discussed in multifaceted topics on how addressing our immigration system can shape the state’s future workforce, drive new economic innovations, spur new technological and academic research and breakthroughs, and bolster agricultural production.

PROGRAM

8:30 AM

• Morning Registration and Breakfast

9:30 AM

• Welcome

10:00 AM

• Fireside Chat: NC Stem Innovators

STEM workers and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and across the world have fueled innovations, created jobs, and helped make the United States globally competitive. Immigrants make up almost 24% of STEM workers and, in North Carolina, they make up 17% of workers. A 2022 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that immigrants are responsible for 36 percent of aggregate innovation, much of which is linked to their interactions and contribution to the work of U.S.-born peers. Join Emerson Collective’s Ada Sim, Senior Director, Product, Engineering, in discussion on how immigration can bolster North Carolina and the nation’s edge on technology.

10:20 AM

• Break

10:30 AM

• Panel Discussion: NC Economy & Workforce

The effects of the global pandemic stalled the economies of many countries. In the U.S, however, immigrant workers helped fuel a strong economic comeback, adding more workers to the labor force and increasing consumer spending. In a 2024 analysis, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that immigration to the U.S. will help grow the country’s economy by $7 trillion. In North Carolina, immigrants fill vital roles and jobs, representing 17.3% of STEM workers and over-representing in essential industries such as construction (29%), accommodation and food services (18.3%) and agriculture (23.5%). They also account for 13.7% of entrepreneurs in North Carolina and collectively generate $1.5 billion in income annually. Learn from experts and industry leaders on how immigration and foreign-born workers can continue to play an integral role in addressing labor shortages and spearheading innovative entrepreneurship and production.

11:15 AM

• Break

11:25 AM

• Fireside Chat: The NC Dream

More than 24,000 Dreamers call North Carolina their home. Throughout the state, immigrants, who are actively studying to fill vital career and skill needs, represent 21.7% of students enrolled in higher education. This crucial population of young people are expanding the talent pool and eagerly embracing new skill sets to fill the jobs of the future as aspiring students across the globe also seek to gain access to the incredible academic opportunities that North Carolina universities offer. Hear from leaders on how they are creating a path for immigrant youth to become tomorrow’s American leaders.

11:45 AM

• Closing Remarks

Questions? Email info@theimmigrationhub.org