Intercity migration behavior of Chinese graduates: from home region to work destination

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation that used data from a census of Chinese graduates to understand the decisions made by graduates migrating from their home region to their first jobs after graduation. Employing a two-stage estimation method, we found that the economic conditions and social amenities are crucial determinants in attracting non-native graduates, and the improvement of innovation level can also help attract more graduates. In addition, low demand for graduates, low innovation level, and poor transportation conditions of cities are the main causes of out-migration of native graduates.