Revista Română de Sociologie (Nov 2013)
DIASPORA AND THE “BRAIN DRAIN” PHENOMENON
Abstract
The role that the highly skilled emigrants or Diasporas play in scientific and technological developments in the country of origin is still poorly understood and studied, although it is extremely important, due to the importance of science and technology for improving the human condition and economic development. The migration of highly skilled people between countries with different levels of development has long been a critical issue and an unsolved problem.The world knowledge gap highlights the need to find alternative ways to circumvent the exodus of scientists and skilled professionals by promoting the potential of scientific Diasporas to contribute to the development of their countries of origin. The benefits that highly skilled emigrants can bring to their home countries are increasingly regarded as important for development. Thus, in order to create effective diaspora linkages with the development process taking place in the countries of origin, it is necessary to acquire further knowledge-based evidence on the scientific diaspora in destination countries, on the national systems of science and technology, as well as on labour and highly skilled mobility policies and initiatives
