Brain Drain Research Articles

Strategic Implication Of Globalization On ‘Brain Drain’ In Emerging Economies: South Africa

The large increase in skilled professional migration between countries in recent years poses new challenges for policymakers. It is important to observe how this phenomenon impacts South Africa due to its unique socio-economic context. One may also reason that as much as globalization has resulted in the easy movement of labor, in the case of South Africa, most of the push factors driving brain drain are a combination of structural and socio-economic dynamics. The aim of the paper is to explore the factors that contribute to the migration of skilled professionals and, furthermore, the long-term implication of brain drain on the sustainable development of the South African economy by collecting pre-existing textual data. Evidence from reviews suggests that globalization has contributed to brain drain in emerging economies. Many emerging markets are experiencing significant human skill losses, which in turn has a negative impact on their development. Furthermore, the reviews have emphasized the contributing factors to the migration of highly skilled professionals to other countries. In addition, findings reveal that the migration of skilled professionals poses a threat to South Africa’s development objectives. To overcome this challenge, it is important to deter skilled professionals from leaving and encourage them to return by addressing concerns like safety and security.

Faculty mobility and research dynamics at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Abstract Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a foundational role in promoting equality in US higher education and society. Studying faculty transitions and research dynamics at HBCUs is crucial to understanding and addressing these institutions’ challenges, such as the brain drain and its relationships with faculty research practices. By tracking the affiliation changes of 139 professors and their research outcomes (consisting of 4,269 publications) and comparing them with a matched control group with similar backgrounds, we revealed a moving penalty for professors moving from Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) to HBCUs, who experienced declines in research productivity and citation impact. In contrast, professors transitioning from HBCUs to PWIs benefited from the moving premium of increasing high-impact publications. Professors at HBCUs tend to increase their collaborations with PWIs before transitioning, while those moving to PWIs reduce their collaborations with HBCUs. Our findings highlight the ongoing challenges HBCUs face and underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to strengthen these institutions’ research functionality and ultimately their overall academic standing.

From brain drain to brain gain: catalyzing India’s science & technology renaissance through scientific schemes and infrastructure growth

From brain drain to brain gain: catalyzing India’s science & technology renaissance through scientific schemes and infrastructure growth

The effects of the Gaza War on Israel’s economy: one year on

ABSTRACT This paper examines the short- and potential long-term economic costs and benefits to Israel from its war with Hamas and Hezbollah that began in October 2023. As of October 2024, Israel’s economy has not returned to its pre-war level of output, and Israel’s government’s debt is increasing to pay for the war. The long run effect of the war will depend on its outcome, but there is potential for a very negative economic effect since the war might cause or contribute to a brain drain of young and talented Israelis. Israel is very vulnerable to a brain drain since it has many high-tech workers who have a comparatively easier time in re-locating to new countries than other workers since with their skills, they should be able to find well-paying jobs in other countries.

EXPLORING INTELLECTUAL AND EDUCATIONAL MIGRATION IN KAZAKHSTAN: DOCUMENTARY ANALYSIS

Background: Addressing brain drain and fostering human capital development are critical for sustaining a nation's long-term economic growth, innovation capacity, and global competitiveness. Kazakhstan has faced significant brain drain, particularly following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, as many skilled professionals sought better opportunities abroad. Despite government efforts to retain talent, the country continues to experience a negative migration balance, with a substantial portion of emigrants being highly educated and skilled. This study examines the challenges posed by brain drain and evaluates Kazakhstan's current policy initiatives aimed at addressing intellectual migration and fostering human capital development. Methods: The study employs a qualitative research approach using documentary analysis to explore intellectual and educational migration in Kazakhstan. The methodology involves systematically reviewing key government policy documents and reports, such as the Concept of Migration Policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023-2027. Documentary analysis was selected for its ability to provide in-depth insights into government initiatives and policy frameworks, enabling an assessment of their long-term effectiveness. Content analysis was applied to identify recurring themes and policy shifts related to human capital development and brain drain. Results and conclusions: The findings highlight the government’s efforts to attract skilled professionals, retain domestic talent, and foster international collaboration through streamlined visa processes, academic partnerships, and the establishment of international branch campuses. The analysis highlights educational immigration as a core component of Kazakhstan's migration strategy, shaped by regional factors and geopolitical considerations. Despite these efforts, the study identifies ongoing challenges in creating attractive domestic career opportunities and competitive research environments, which are crucial for the longterm retention of talent. By leveraging international best practices and fostering collaboration between the government, academia, and industry, Kazakhstan can enhance its position in the global knowledge economy while addressing demographic and economic challenges. The paper concludes by discussing the potential policy implications and recommendations for sustaining Kazakhstan’s human capital development in the context of global intellectual migration trends.

It's Time for a "Brain Drain!"

In their classrooms, teachers create learning environments that foster knowledge acquisition through the strategies they choose to implement. This article highlights a strategy called Brain Drain, which teachers can set up as an activity that will help students access their prior knowledge, connect new learning, and have an opportunity to discuss and build upon this learning with peers. The Schema, Cognitive Load, and Sociocultural Learning Theories are mentioned, briefly highlighted, and connected to this strategy.

Devolution of New Zealand Research to a Gig Economy

In 2005 the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission’s (TEC) put out a call for academic feedback on their Strategic Review of the Tertiary Education Workforce. Authors on this review provided a comprehensive review of the increasing reliance of tertiary institutes, particularly universities, on fixed-term contract staff, and the inherent risks for New Zealand science of relying on staff with unstable career structures and funding support. We explored some of the causes behind the transformation of the workforce from permanent to fixed-term, and recommended a suite of potential pathways to help address the challenges. This current review reports that nearly 20 years on very little has changed, and indeed the situation has gotten worse, with more researchers than ever before now on fixed-term contracts, even at senior levels. We have failed to establish and fund a career fellowship system. There has been a lack of substantive increases in funding for grants like Marsden and HRC that can sustain employment of research staff, and grant funding has not kept up with inflation. The net result is that we have essentially created a gig economy for research staff, with reliance on repeated contracts over many years, with few if any opportunities to transition to permanent positions. Researchers must write more and more grants to sustain their salaries as grants are insufficiently funded due to lack of investment leaving staff with either reducing the contract time or without a full salary for the full duration. Low funding rates due to lack of investment make it increasingly difficult to get funding to pay their salaries. Researchers see a bleak future, and the brain drain has begun. Students do not see a career in research as attractive and thus our capacity to develop the next generation of Kiwi scientists is at risk. This crisis threatens our ability to undertake and deliver science, technology and innovation that is essential for the growth of our economy. Urgent action is needed to address this fundamentally flawed approach to how we fund university based research and how we fail to support sustainable research careers.

Across the Sea to Ireland: Return Atlantic Migration before the First World War

Abstract Are return migrants “losers” who fail to adapt to the challenges of the host economy, thereby exacerbating the brain drain linked to emigration? Or are they “winners” whose return enhances the human and physical capital of the home country? This article analyzes databases constructed from the 1911 Irish population and 1910 US censuses to address these issues for returnees to Ireland from North America more than a century ago. The evidence suggests that returnees had the edge over Ireland’s population, but not those who stayed on in the US in terms of human capital, as proxied by occupation and literacy; returning couples also had fewer children than the stay-at-homes, and their children spent longer at school. It also shows that returnees were less likely to return to the poorer regions of Ireland.

Perception of Health Professionals on Brain Drain in Nepalese Health Sector

Health workers are professionals who are engaged in the delivery of healthcare services to individuals. They include a wide range of roles such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, and support staff who provide clinical services to patients. They also encompass community health workers and public health professionals who work on disease prevention, health education, and improving access to healthcare. Health workers are essential for the functioning of health systems and play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of the population. Brain drain is increasing in Nepal day by day due to the many reasons, including the desire for better pay, work conditions, quality of life, high opportunities, more working hours, personal growth that make health workers leave. This situation is creating problem for Nepal’s health services. The main purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of health professionals regarding brain drain in Nepal’s health sector. Through in-depth interviews and focused group discussions with various stakeholders, including doctors, nurses, pharmacist, health informatics, front line manager, the research aims to uncover the underlying factors contributing to emigration of skilled health workers. This study also examines the impact on Nepal’s healthcare system and suggest strategies to mitigate the loss of talent. This research contributes the deeper understanding of brain drain and provides insights for policy development to strengthen Nepal’s health sector.

The Development of Operational Model Integrating Digital Technologies into Public Mental Healthcare Services in Nigeria

The availability and utilization of digital technologies can leverage the challenges of the sharp-depleting workforce due to the consistent migration of healthcare professionals (HCPs), the alarming ratio of the number of patients to HCPs, discretional use of digital technologies among HCPs in providing effective therapeutic interventions and mental healthcare services. This study aimed to develop an operational model that integrates digital technologies in mental healthcare service delivery for public facilities in Nigeria. The practice-oriented theory guides the development of the model. A qualitative method assessed the digital technologies used during the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique that employed the snowball method was used in selecting the sixteen (16) HCPs from four (4) neuropsychiatric hospitals in South-West Nigeria. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Findings from the qualitative analysis revealed several challenges in providing adequate and efficient services in public mental healthcare facilities in Nigeria, such as human resource challenges, brain drain, lack of infrastructure, and strains on HCPs. Findings from this study indicated that digital technologies are sparingly utilized in public mental healthcare service delivery due to a lack of policy and framework. HCPs perceive digital technologies to be beneficial to themselves and their clients. The highlighted benefits to patients are reduced stigmatization levels, decreased financial burden, enhanced accessibility to therapists, strengthened adherence, mitigated relapse incidences and improved intervention. The transition from the traditional/conventional space of mental healthcare service delivery to digital space requires a collaborative approach with Computer scientists (software developers, database administrators), Data scientists, investors, stakeholders and mental HCPs. The proposed model serves as a contemporary framework that the Government, policymakers in the Ministry of Health and management of mental health facilities in Nigeria can adopt, providing the needed awareness of the benefit of technological intervention.

Necessary reforms in the Greek academic system

Motivated by our EU funded ERA chair projects, that require proposing reforms to yield the Greek academic system more competitive with a particular emphasis on fostering brain gain and preventing brain drain, we propose policy changes on a wide range of topics, based on our joint academic management experience inside and outside of Greece in conjunction with our diverse backgrounds in the humanities, computer science, and the life sciences. The proposed reforms can contribute to increase the competitiveness of Greece in research and development (R & D). We classify proposals by their associated costs and include a plethora of zero cost proposals that do have the potential to increase efficiency and net research time as well as to improve current working conditions in Greek academia. However, to yield Greece more competitive at the international level, reverse brain drain, and foster brain gain, substantial investments and increases of R&D expenditure are required which depend on political willingness and require a long term strategic development plan for Greece beyond being a tourist destination in the European periphery.

Motivations of Israeli physicians to return, or not, to Israel after their fellowship abroad.

Emigration of healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, is an unresolved "pandemic", influenced by various factors. In high-income countries, the training phase (fellowship) abroad is critical for career development, yet it poses challenges for the retention of these professionals upon their completion of training. This study aimed to identify the determinants influencing Israeli physicians' decisions to return to their home country after completing fellowship training abroad. This cross-sectional study conducted in early 2024, surveyed Israeli physicians with post-graduate training who pursued a fellowship abroad between 2013 and 2024. An anonymous survey included questions on demographics, training experience, and professional challenges. Analytical methods included descriptive statistics and regression analysis to explore factors associated with the decision to return. Of the 323 individuals surveyed, 297 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 141 (47.5%) have returned to Israel, while 156 (52.5%) currently reside abroad, 48 (31%) of them have completed their fellowship. Respondents identified several challenges, beginning with a complex application process prior to fellowship (47% stated this as a major challenge), substantial financial burdens averaging 35,546 USD in direct out-of-pocket expenses during, and job uncertainty, with only 55% having secured positions upon return. Of the 156 Israeli fellows still abroad, 107 (69%) reported medium to low confidence in returning. Factors associated with a higher likelihood of confidence in returning to Israel included a secured job position upon return (OR 8.6, 95% CI 3.1-28.9) and having an opportunity for a position that would utilize the skills gained during the fellowship (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-10.2). The decision to return to Israel after a fellowship abroad is influenced by a mix of professional, personal, and geopolitical factors. To counteract the critical issue of brain drain, it is essential to enhance occupational certainty for returning physicians. These findings highlight the urgent need for healthcare policies that provide robust support for returning professionals and address their specific challenges.

Göç Olgusunun Göçmen Bireyler Üzerindeki Ruh Sağlığına Etkisi

Migration is a complex structure that has existed throughout human history of individuals and units. There are different types of migration. Internal migration means displacement within the borders of the country. Emigration means leaving the regions they belong to for certain reasons. Brain drain, on the other hand, occurs when people who have developed their own personality are academically educated elsewhere due to the country's conditions. As a result of this move, immigrant individuals are affected by spiritual and emotional changes. The psychological effects of immigration on immigrants are known. Immigrant individuals may experience difficulties in three different categories: before migration, during migration and after migration. As a result of research on common pathologies seen in immigrants, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, self-alienation, schizophrenia, somatization disorder, and increased psychotic features have been expressed. It is known that the life disruption of immigrants has also been reduced. There are definitions of these immigrant types, as well as the psychological transitions of immigrant individuals and the common problem seen in immigrants. Literature research is included in their content. It can be stated that the results of the research showing that migration disrupts the daily life of the students and that psychological problems arise in their lives in a negative way can be expressed. Keywords: Types of migration, migrants, psychology, mental health, trauma.

Study on High-quality Development Strategy of Rural Economy Under the Strategy of Agriculture, Rural Areas and Farmers

With the in-depth implementation of the "three rural" strategy, the high-quality development of rural economy has become an important goal to achieve rural revitalization. This paper starts with the current situation of rural economic development, analyzes the main challenges facing rural economy, including infrastructure construction lag, unreasonable industrial structure and brain drain and innovation ability. On this basis, the core strategy of high-quality development of rural economy is put forward from three aspects: industrial revitalization, ecological revitalization and talent revitalization. By optimizing the industrial structure and promoting the integration of the primary, secondary and tertiary industries, the agricultural production efficiency is improved; Emphasizing green agriculture and environmental governance to promote sustainable development; Attention should be paid to attracting high-quality talents and improving rural education and training systems to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas. Through comprehensive measures, we will strive to provide systematic support for the high-quality development of the rural economy and help the smooth implementation of the rural revitalization strategy.

The paradoxical surplus of healthcare workers in Africa: the need for research and policy engagement

Abstract Background In many countries in Africa, there is a paradoxical surplus of under and unemployed nurses, midwives, physicians and pharmacists which exists amidst a shortage of staff within the formal health system. By 2030, the World Health Organisation Africa Region may find itself with a shortage of 6.1 million healthcare workers (HCWs) alongside 700,000 un- or underemployed health staff. This study aims to bring the nature and consequences of an existing paradoxical surplus of HCWs in low income countries into the HCW migration debate and to explore novel solutions. Methods The study draws on a rapid review of the literature and deeper insights from expert information, using examples from Uganda, Kenya and Niger. Results In Niger, between 2010-2014, 55% of health graduates were unable to find permanent work in the sector leaving 15 000 HCWs unemployed or in precarious jobs. In Sudan, an 8-fold increase of the number of places at medical colleges (between 1996-2012) was not accompanied by a commensurate investment in physician positions leading to increased unemployment and brain drain. In Kenya, in 2021, 27243 HCWs were un or under-employed. In Uganda, 20590 nurses and midwives were reported as unemployed in 2023. Despite this, the emphasis in policy debates about the healthcare workforce crisis in most national and global levels is on staff shortage and the need to train more HCWs. In contrast, an existing surplus HCWs and their association with patterns of migration are largely unknown. Little time is given over to understand the economic, political and social factors that have driven their emergence and the governance challenges and potential interventions to improve employment rates. Conclusions The results highlight the complexity of migration, labour market conditions and health systems, in particular in low income countries in Africa. Both qualitative and quantitative data is necessary for policy makers to find effective solutions to the problem.

Brain Drain or Brain Circulation? The Impact of Gaza’s 7th October War on the Displaced Academicians and Personnel of Higher Education Institutions

The unprecedented Gaza war in October 2023 had a catastrophic impact on the Palestinian higher education sector in the Gaza Strip: deaths, injuries, psychological trauma to educators, and destruction to educational premises and their facilities. Major concerns include displacement, diminished access to education, and the subsequent exodus of qualified professionals from the country. These factors are exacerbated by increasing reduction or complete cessation of education, and infrastructure degradation in the war zone areas. This study aims to explore and examine the impact of the Gaza war crisis on higher education academicians and personnel which has intrinsically hampered education, research, and science. This study adopts a qualitative method by interviewing university academicians from Gaza addressing the impact of the war crisis on their careers. These interviews scope the barriers and sketch the scale and nature of challenges for the higher educational sector during the war aiming to record the most important decisions and interventions to maintain the continuity of the education process forward.

Musical Mirroring of Social Predicaments in Aristotle “GLOC-9” Pollisco Song Compositions through Stylistic Lens

This study was a stylistic analysis aimed at delineating the different social predicaments embedded in the ten (10) song compositions of GLOC-9. Particularly, it sought to: (1) identify the linguistic levels used in cascading the message and style of the songs along with semantics, lexicogrammar, phonology, and acoustic phonetics; (2) determine the stylistic devices under figures of speech used in the songs; (3) define the thematic levels presented in the songs along with the thematic concept and thematic statement; (4) specify the values or morals conveyed in the songs; and (5) discuss the social predicaments embedded in the songs. To further strategize the data gathering, the researchers used the Hallidayan Systemic-Functional Linguistic Theory in order to extract the different linguistic levels in the songs. Thus, the researchers found out that the social predicaments embedded in the song compositions that depicted social realities were: (1) social injustice; (2) violence; (3) prostitution; (4) drug addiction; (5) corruption; (6) gender discrimination; (7) killing; (8) poverty; and (9) brain drain mentality. Ergo, the results being demarcated in this study may help cultivate social awareness and provide positive implications in terms of transcending the minds of every Filipino, which is a crucial determinant in society and more especially in that of the nation.

Tracing Some Challenges of Higher Education Historically in Nepal through Tribhuvan University

Tribhuvan University (TU) is the oldest and only central university in Nepal. It set a historical record in 2023 by convocating more than twelve thousand students at one time. Despite the presence of many regional and technical institutes and universities that contribute to Nepali society in higher education, Nepali students often prefer to study abroad after completing their school-level certificates. This trend has compelled Nepali university planners, educators, political parties, and governments to review the reasons for the brain drain among youth. The article aims to restore faith among Nepali citizens in the higher educational institutions available in the country, especially TU, and to encourage stakeholders to recognize the sensitivity of the issue so that brain drain can be reduced. To achieve this, the author selects various media writings on the higher education sector, websites, reports, and books on Gagne's psychological theory and the history of higher education in Nepal, adhering to qualitative research methods. The findings indicate that there is a need for correction and self-evaluation among TU authorities, Nepali political parties, and other stakeholders to contribute positively and help the university maintain its good image.

Managerial strategies to reduce stress and brain drain in tourism through moral values

Purpose: This research explores effective managerial practices to reduce brain drain in tourism by promoting moral values such as compassion and empathy. It investigates how a supportive work environment can decrease employee stress, improve job satisfaction and retain skilled professionals.Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a structural equation modelling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS) longitudinal model over three periods in 2023–2024. Invitations were sent to 47 inland hotels, with only 6 participating. It aimed to provide tools for employees to cope with pandemic-related crises. Managers distributed the questionnaires, yielding 267 responses out of 290.Findings/results: The research highlights how managerial practices focussed on moral values such as compassion and empathy can reduce brain drain in tourism by alleviating employee stress. It shows that values-driven training programmes foster a supportive work environment, leading to greater job satisfaction and talent retention. Limitations call for further longitudinal studies.Practical implications: A key limitation was the lack of longitudinal studies on training’s impact on values within the same population. Additionally, focus groups were needed because of employees’ unavailability for scheduled meetings.Originality/value: It was observed that the training helps not only overcome stressful situations but also provided a sense of commitment and excellence towards the company, helping to connect workers and customers. Similarly, it contributed to reducing the level of stress by improving its customer-facing training, which helped to overcome unforeseen changes in the hotel.

Turning Brain Drain into Brain Network and Brain Exchange: A Case Study of Kosovo Albanian Diaspora in the United States

ABSTRACT This paper explores strategies for Kosovo Albanian migrants in the United States to contribute to the development of their home country, without necessarily returning. There are many diverse possibilities and practices suggested by migrants, who should be supported by governments and facilitated by Kosovar embassies and consulates. This research draws on 35 biographical interviews conducted in 2023 and 2024 with migrants in the United States. The findings suggest that migrants are willing to share their experience and expertise through the creation of brain networks and brain exchanges. These strategies include the creation of an official network-building website, regular communication channels, a diaspora database and various policies and initiatives by the government to leverage the expertise and talent of these individuals for the nation’s benefit.