Review of student non-return and brain drain determinants: theoretical-empirical consistency?

Abstract

This paper reviews the theoretical and empirical aspects of the determinants of student non-return and brain drain. As a whole, the empirical literature on the determinants of student non-return and brain drain do not appear to be testing what the theoretical works are hypothesising. The most noticeable gap is that there appears to be no empirical studies that test the validity of a number of pioneering theories. This review paper discusses empirical studies undertaken within a quantitative or an econometric framework. Qualitative or conceptual studies are beyond its scope. The findings from this paper suggest that good harmonised datasets on skilled migration and student non-return are urgently needed, and that neither the theorists should develop their theoretical models in a vacuum nor the empiricists explain brain drain or student non-return incidences without solid theoretical basis.