Mapping Government Officials in Emerging Technologies Roles:
Analysis of STEM Qualifications
Download the report here.
This report examines the educational backgrounds, prior experience, and career pathways of Pentagon senior civilian leaders working in emerging technology roles. This report draws on data obtained from Leadership Connect and expert interviews to understand the relationship between education, professional experience, and seniority in emerging technology fields within the national security workforce. It finds that a majority of individuals in these roles lack formal STEM degrees or prior STEM experience, indicating that non-traditional pathways and transferable skills play a significant role in staffing senior STEM roles within the Pentagon. The analysis highlights variation across technology domains, the importance of leadership and institutional knowledge, and limitations in existing workforce data that constrain effective talent management. The report concludes with recommendations to modernize hiring practices, improve data collection, expand recruitment pipelines, and invest in continuous professional development to strengthen the government’s capacity to lead in critical emerging technologies.
