Harnessing Knowledge Exchange Among Overseas Professionals of Afghanistan, People's Republic of China, and Philippines

Abstract

Developing country governments and international donors are taking notice of diasporas' potential contributions to economic development. Attention has primarily focused on financial remittances, which are estimated to outpace official development assistance. Yet overseas professionals can also benefit their home countries through social remittances and knowledge exchange. This paper reviews such diaspora contributions, and government policies and programs to support them, in three case studies of China, the Philippines, and Afghanistan. The cases provide empirical and anecdotal data relating to skills exchange/transfer, its potential relationship to financial remittances, diaspora motivations, and home country policies and programs. The potential for diaspora knowledge exchange suggests greater opportunities for gain than may be currently recognized and realized.