Globalisation Challenges and Knowledge Transfer from the Indian Scientific Diaspora

Abstract

This chapter looks at the opportunities and uncertainties of globalisation in terms of the production of world knowledge, with an emphasis on the factors that limit the distribution and fair use of this knowledge for the benefit of less advanced countries. We show how existing disparities between developed countries and emerging and developing countries relating to the level of higher education, the resources available for research and access to technologies and innovation have made scientific cooperation an indispensable mechanism for advancement. Having established this context, we then turn our attention to the transfer of knowledge for the benefit of developing countries, as promoted by the scientific diaspora. Taking the case of India and its relationship with Europe as an example, we present a qualitative analysis based on interviews held with Indian students and researchers who are either living in Europe or who have returned to India, and with some other key informants. India is a paradigmatic case in terms of knowledge, science and technology insofar as the country is a source of skilled personnel for many developed countries, including the European countries that have become popular as new destinations. We look at three determinants for channelling knowledge transfer: institutional mechanisms for bilateral cooperation, transnational collaboration and the affective capital of migrants. We observe how these channels foster scientific cooperation and strengthen the critical mass in the country of origin. While our findings point to a trend whereby scientific diasporas become carriers of knowledge for their countries of origin in the South,

Knowledge Transfers Through Diaspora Transnationalism and Return Migration: A Case Study of Indian Skilled Migrants

“…Second, human capital mobility should ideally benefi t both India and the receiving countries, through the implementation of provisions that stimulate the exchange and circulation of students and researchers in both directions. Third, institutional provisions such as bilateral scientifi c programmes which promote collaboration in a complementary manner should ensure the pairing of research work with high-level international partners, and create mutual benefi ts for researchers and their institutions in both India and Europe (Bolay and Tejada 2014 ). Top-down incentive mechanisms, such as bilateral institutional programmes , as well as bottom-up transnational collaboration initiatives, driven by skilled Indians themselves, are important for encouraging knowledge transfer through cooperation and other forms of interactions that India can benefi t from.…”