Globalization, Brain Drain and Development

Frédéric Docquier and Hillel Rapoport ()

No 5590, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: 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 the 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 recent exodus of European scientists to the United States, and the role of the Indian diaspora in the development of India’s IT sector. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the analysis for education, immigration, and international taxation policies in a global context.

Keywords: globalization; international migration; brain drain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F22 J61 O15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 62 pages
Date: 2011-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-int and nep-mig
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (103)

Published - published in: Journal of Economic Literature, 2012, 50 (3), 681-730

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Related works:
Journal Article: Globalization, Brain Drain, and Development (2012)
Working Paper: Globalization, Brain Drain and Development (2011)
Working Paper: Globalization, Brain Drain and Development (2011)
Working Paper: Globalization, brain drain and development (2011)
Working Paper: Globalization, brain drain and development (2011)
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