The Within-Country Distribution of Brain Drain and Brain Gain Effects: A Case Study on Senegal

Philippe Bocquier (), Cha’Ngom, Narcisse, Frédéric Docquier and Joël Machado
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Philippe Bocquier: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Cha’Ngom, Narcisse: LISER

No 16497, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Existing empirical literature provides converging evidence that selective emigration enhances human capital accumulation in the world's poorest countries. However, the within-country distribution of such brain gain effects has received limited attention. Focusing on Senegal, we provide evidence that the brain gain mechanism primarily benefits the wealthiest regions that are internationally connected and have better access to education. Conversely, human capital responses are negligible in regions lacking international connectivity, and even negative in better connected regions with inadequate educational opportunities. These results extend to internal migration, implying that highly vulnerable populations are trapped in the least developed areas.

Keywords: human capital; migration; selection; brain drain; brain gain; Senegal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E24 J24 J61 O15 R23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 40 pages
Date: 2023-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev, nep-geo, nep-lab, nep-mig and nep-ure
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