Talent Migration in Knowledge Economy: The Case of China’s Silicon Valley, Shenzhen

Abstract

Talent is a key resource in a knowledge economy. It plays a critical role in national economic growth and technological innovation. China's technological power is rising, and its ambitious push for talent is supported by central and local government. Through the lens of Shenzhen, China's Silicon Valley, this article examines the Shenzhen Talent Policy and its effectiveness in attracting both domestic talent and overseas returnees. Document analysis is combined with in-depth interviews with returnee entrepreneurs, university professors, and Shenzhen local government officials to examine talent migration and the effectiveness of talent policy. This study findings reveal that the welcoming and tolerant culture of Shenzhen is key to the city's attractiveness to its existing and potential talent. Entrepreneurial scientists and engineers are likely to return to Shenzhen from abroad for business opportunities in applied innovation and technology commercialization. Academics report an average or dissatisfying attitude towards the scientific environment and professional development. State-led talent policy puts emphasis on technical human capital to meet its urgent developmental needs. The reform of higher education system in Shenzhen is needed to fully realize its technological ambition. In addition, this study shows that younger generation Chinese cares about their personal wellbeing, individual happiness, and career opportunities compared to older generation's emphasis on economic benefits. This article concludes with policy implications on worldwide talent attraction and talent migration in a new geopolitical era.

Co-production for the integration of migrant human capital into the decent work

“…Therefore, it is the responsibility of managers to raise awareness, and facilitate integration under decent work conditions that encourage creation of a fair and just context. Likewise, new human capital adaptation depends on the host culture, in creating positive relations between migrants and the local population, with the objective of ensuring the optimal development of their potential [ 35 ]. Conversely, the private sector can also perpetuate a circle of limiting the potential contribution of migration to sustainable development, particularly when prejudice affects access to higher-income jobs that migrants and refugees can opt for [ 44 , 45 ], due to their migratory status and consequent vulnerability.…”

“…In migration processes, the adaptation of new human capital is intended to foster positive relations between migrants and local communities with the aim of ensuring the optimal development and utilisation of its potential [ 35 ]. At the local level, immigration not only impacts wages and taxes but also alters the composition of the local population [ 36 ] and influences the labour market dynamics [ 37 ].…”

An Environmental Approach to Cultivating Science and Technology Talents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

“…As such, perfect policies and regulations toward research institutions, higher education institutions, even primary and high school could be formulated. The more advanced regional social living standard, the more obvious the phenomenon of talent gathering (Wang, G. Y., 2021). An open and welcoming culture is important in any city, region, and country which hopes to attract talent, and most importantly, retain talent(Xing H. C., 2017).…”

Spatial spillover effects of skilled migration on innovation in China

“…Thus, “knowledge turn” perspective shows the transformation of the employment structure shifting from low-skilled towards skilled labour has been gradually obvious and mature. However, the talent or skilled labour alone is not equal to the innovation or economy growth, and cannot polish up other economic shortcomings, such as bureaucracy, academic dishonesty etc [ 37 ]. Especially, regional differences in skilled migration have been further widened.…”