The Chinese brain drain and policy options.

Abstract

Brain drain has become a growing problem in China’s overseas education, especially since the Tiananmen incident of June 1989. Many students have found it more difficult to adjust to the home environment. Some are afraid they would be punished for political reasons if they went home. Some use the issue as an opportunity to seek permanent overseas residence. Beijing is facing various difficulties in coping with the brain drain problem. Restrictions always anger students abroad. Family members often discourage students from returning. Incentives to attract students to return are inadequate. Most important, after Tiananmen Western governments refused to cooperate with Beijing and allowed Chinese students to stay. Concerned with the brain drain, Beijing is reconsidering its policy on foreign study. Of the policy alternatives, a continuation of the open policy appears to remain optimal, though some adjustments are necessary. In addition, several technical solutions to the brain drain problem are worth considering.