The Hoover Institution at Stanford University hosts the Immigration Policy and the Economics of Innovation on January 22, 2026.
This conference will explore the critical intersection of immigration policy and technological innovation in the United States, with a particular focus on reforming high-skilled immigration pathways. The event will bring together academic researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss how evidence-based immigration policy reforms can enhance economic growth, foster innovation, and strengthen American competitiveness.
| Thursday, January 22, 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Content | Presenters |
|
8:30 AM |
Breakfast |
-- |
|
9:00 AM |
Welcome |
Paola Sapienza, Hoover Institution |
| 9:05 AM |
Opening Address: Macroeconomic Impacts of Immigration |
Heidi Williams, Dartmouth College |
| 9:45 AM |
Break |
-- |
| 10:00 AM |
“Third Country Effects of US Immigration Policy” by Agostina Brinatti and Xing Guo |
Presenter: Agostina Brinatti, University of Chicago Discussant: Marta Prato, Bocconi University & SIEPR Discussant: Britta Glennon, University of Pennsylvania Chair: Stephen Haber, Hoover Institution & Stanford University |
| 11:15 AM |
Break |
-- |
| 11:45 AM |
“The Contribution of Foreign Master's Students to U.S. Start-ups” Michel Beine, Giovanni Peri, and Morgan Raux |
Presenter: Giovanni Peri, UC Davis Discussant: Justin Grimmer, Hoover Institution and Stanford University Discussant: Nicolas Morales, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Chair: Amit Seru, Hoover Institution & Stanford University |
| 1:00 PM |
Lunch |
-- |
| 2:00 PM |
“The IT Boom and Other Unintended Consequences of Chasing the American Dream” by Gaurav Khanna and Nicolas Morales |
Presenter: Gaurav Khanna, UCSD Discussant: Michael Clemens, George Mason University Discussant: Jens Hainmueller, Stanford University Chair: Ross Levine, Hoover Institution |
| 3:15 PM |
Break |
-- |
| 3:45 PM |
Panel on Opportunities and Challenges for American Businesses This panel will bring together business leaders, scientists, and immigration law practitioners to explore the interconnection between innovation and immigration and discuss the challenges in attracting and retaining high-skilled talent in the United States. Panelists will examine gaps and inefficiencies in the current immigration system and discuss potential approaches to strengthen the high-skilled immigration pipeline. The conversation will focus on how reforms could support innovation and enhance America's global competitiveness. |
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| 5:00 PM |
Conclusion of Conference |
-- |
| 6:00 PM |
Dinner in Palo Alto |
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If you have any questions about the event, contact Hoover Program on the Foundations of Economic Prosperity, HooverProsperity@stanford.edu.
