The International Circulation of Scientists and Technologists

Abstract

The dramatic contrasts in opinion about the effects of international scientific migration are traced to its intrinsic character as a polymorphic, recurrent phenomenon whose costs and benefits have never been successfully evaluated. The tendency to assign countries the status of “winner” or “loser” in migration patterns is shown to be of dubious usefulness in an era of changing economic paradigms and increased interconnection of scientists via electronic communication networks. Nevertheless, those countries with neither improving economies nor easy and inexpensive network connections may still find themselves at a disadvantage in the global flow of scientific talent.

Return mobility of scientists and knowledge circulation: an exploratory approach to scientists attitudes and perspectives

“…Furthermore, it is increasingly recognised that knowledge exchange may not necessarily require the physical presence of the individual scientist and can take place at distance, providing that there is "epistemic proximity" between the scientific communities (Steinmueller, 2000). From the standpoint of the country of origin, the central elements of the brain circulation approach are the possibility of return (temporary or definitive), or else, the building of expatriate networks that can be mobilised to support its development (Gaillard and Gaillard, 1998;Williams et al, 2004). …”

“…It is argued that, in these cases, it may be more effective to try to capitalise on the presence of country nationals in foreign centres of excellence, motivating them to link with the home country and thus creating conditions for the exchange of knowledge between expatriates and the local scientific communities (Gaillard and Gaillard, 1998;Meyer, 2001). This perspective is supported by evidence that expatriate scientists have often organised themselves in more or less loose networks, both for mutual support and to maintain contact with and/or provide some contribution to their home country, in what has been labelled "scientific diaspora".…”

“…But this is not just a oneway process and those who remain abroad may also act as nodes in important networks, along which take place a variety of activities (Gaillard and Gaillard, 1998). This role is illustrated by the comments of some senior scientists, who not only describe their activities, but also express enthusiasm for their involvement in those actions and gratification for the outcomes.…”

What Do We Know of the Mobility of Research Scientists and of its Impact on Scientific Production

“…Some authors (e.g. Patinkin, 1968;Regets, 2001;Nerdrum and Sarpebakken, 2006) were critical of this problem being analyzed in efficiency terms at country level, and claimed that other aspects such as the imperfections related to regional labor markets and individual opportunities for career development, and other levels of analysis should be considered (Gaillard and Gaillard, 1998;Ackers, 2005;Ackers and Oliver, 2007).…”

International Stays Abroad, Collaborations and the Return of Spanish Researchers

“…The brain circulation approach acknowledges the 'multiform' character of mobility (Gaillard and Gaillard, 1998) and the importance of considering mobility characteristics to assess its effects on knowledge circulation. For instance, if mobility is long-term or permanent and is not compensated by collaborations and knowledge flows with the home-country, then it can be considered a loss.…”