Emigration of Innovative Workforce in the Light of Patent Data

Abstract

The study uses patent data statistics from World Intellectual Property Database (WIPO) to reveal emigration of innovative workforce issue which has adverse effects on the economies of origin countries. Statistical data indicate that emigration of innovative workforce is not only a problem for developing countries but also it is a problem for developed nations as well. The study directly refers to the mobility of inventors since it uses the patent data statistics. Elimination of spillover effects that might be obtained by the new inventions from a Schumpeterian point of view, loss of the most important segment of human capital and characteristics of emigrant receiving and sending countries are also discussed in the study. To prevent emigration of high skilled workforce particularly the inventors, the study discusses the effects of active labor market policies as a measure. The study therefore aims to stress the importance of retaining innovative workforce and attract as many as possible to improve potential of economy by using data analysis and literature review methods.