This is probably anecdotal evidence that the field is maturing rather rapidly. Phd hires will continue ofcourse, its the volume and selection criteria that get

This is probably anecdotal evidence that the field is maturing rather rapidly. Phd hires will continue ofcourse, its the volume and selection criteria that get adjusted. When a technical domain gets standardized its natural that the ratio of PhD's to Masters in a team lowers. Mostly teams with a mandate to innovate (or at least signaling that intention) will have more of the former. A succesful Phd will always be a strong filter for certain types of abilities and dispositions. Just don't expect stampedes to last forever.