TY - JOUR
T1 - Globalization, brain drain, and development
AU - Docquier, Frédéric
AU - Rapoport, Hillel
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - This paper reviews four decades of economics research on the brain drain, with a focus on recent contributions and on development issues. We first assess the magnitude, intensity, and determinants of the brain drain, showing that brain drain (or high-skill) migration is becoming a dominant pattern of international migration and a major aspect of globalization. We then use a stylized growth model to analyze the various channels through which a brain drain affects the sending countries and review the evidence on these channels. The recent empirical literature shows that high-skill emigration need not deplete a country’s human capital stock and can generate positive network externalities. Three case studies are also considered: the African medical brain drain, the exodus of European scientists to the United States, and the role of the Indian diaspora in the development of India’s information technology sector. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the analysis for education, immigration, and international taxation policies in a global context.
AB - This paper reviews four decades of economics research on the brain drain, with a focus on recent contributions and on development issues. We first assess the magnitude, intensity, and determinants of the brain drain, showing that brain drain (or high-skill) migration is becoming a dominant pattern of international migration and a major aspect of globalization. We then use a stylized growth model to analyze the various channels through which a brain drain affects the sending countries and review the evidence on these channels. The recent empirical literature shows that high-skill emigration need not deplete a country’s human capital stock and can generate positive network externalities. Three case studies are also considered: the African medical brain drain, the exodus of European scientists to the United States, and the role of the Indian diaspora in the development of India’s information technology sector. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the analysis for education, immigration, and international taxation policies in a global context.
KW - international economic order
KW - international migration
KW - human capital
KW - skills
KW - occupational choice
KW - labor productivity
UR - http://www.mendeley.com/research/globalization-brain-drain-development
U2 - 10.1257/jel.50.3.681
DO - 10.1257/jel.50.3.681
M3 - Article
SN - 0022-0515
VL - 50
SP - 681
EP - 730
JO - Journal of Economic Literature
JF - Journal of Economic Literature
IS - 3
ER -