The geography of high-skilled migration and innovation

Stefano Breschi, Zenne Hellinga and Andrea Morrison

Chapter 6 in Handbook of Labour Mobility, 2026, pp 87-102 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter reviews recent quantitative literature on the link between international high-skilled migration and innovation, highlighting the geographical dimensions of knowledge diffusion. It addresses data challenges, explores conceptual issues, and categorizes the literature into four main strands: knowledge brokerage, knowledge creation, agents of structural change, and barriers to mobility. The chapter argues that international migrants act as knowledge brokers, connecting geographically distant regions and fostering new technological specializations. It presents a rich discussion of the literature's findings, referencing key data and methodological challenges. The review concludes by suggesting potential avenues for future research in this growing field.

Keywords: International Migration; High-skilled Migrants; Migrant Inventors; Knowledge Diffusion; Innovation; Technological Specialization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035331680
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