Scientific Diaspora Research Articles

Italy: Brain Drain or Brain Circulation?

Giving a Voice to Italian Scientists in Europe, a research project based on 83 in-depth interviews and a subsequent online survey, shows that transforming brain drain into brain circulation or into a potential scientific diaspora is not an easy task. Overturning Italy’s low level of investment in R&D and building reciprocal acknowledgment and trust between scientists abroad and in their country are identified as prerequisites for this transformation.

Scientific Diaspora in Germany: Directions of Cooperation with Ukraine

Scientific Diaspora in Germany: Directions of Cooperation with Ukraine

Наукова діаспора в Німеччині: напрямки співробітництва з Україною

Наукова діаспора в Німеччині: напрямки співробітництва з Україною

International Scientific Migration: Progress or a Threat to Russia’s Scientific and Technological Security

The authors focus on the issues of scientific migration. This trend is relevant from both an academic perspective — studying the individual’s economic behaviour, as well as practical one, because competition for talent has a significant impact on innovation policy initiatives around the world. Most Russian and foreign researchers are unanimous about the main complication for these studies: the lack of reliable information about scientific researchers’ migration. To search for these data, we have developed a methodology implemented in software based on the big data technology. This software allows to analyse data sets from leading scientific citation bases. The information on scientific migration resulted from the analysis of changes in affiliation. We have collected the data on the scientific migration of researchers employed by the Ural Federal University from the Scopus database. The verification of the obtained data showed their high reliability. Most researchers move to Western European countries and the United States (up to 72 %). The main areas of emigrating researchers’ scientific interests are natural and technical sciences. The optimal approach to minimizing the negative impact of scientific migration on Russia’s scientific and technological security is the practical application of the theory of brain sharing. According to this theory, a large scientific diaspora abroad is an essential resource for the development of science and innovation.

Анализ модели взаимодействия с русскоязычной научной диаспорой за рубежом на примере ИБФМ РАН

In article options of creation of the relations with Russian-speaking scientific diaspora abroad for involvement of the former compatriots who are engaged in scientific activity in development of domestic science are considered.

ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ АКАДЕМІЧНИХ І ДОСЛІДНИЦЬКИХ МЕРЕЖЯК ПРИКЛАДИ КОНСОЛІДАЦІЇ НАУКОВЦІВ УКРАЇНИ ТА ДІАСПОРИ

The article analised the use of the potential of the scientific diaspora is one of the modern approaches to the modernization and integration into the world scientific space of the scientific systems of many countries, including posttotalitarian, in which the transformation of the social system is accompanied by a decrease in the financing of science, theof science, thereduction of the scientific and technical branch and exit promising young scientists into research centers of richer countries. Such negative tendencies for many years are inherent in Ukrainian science, as evidenced by a number of studies. The authors considered the role of cooperation with the scientific diaspora as a factor in the consolidation of high-ranking Ukrainians. The activity of the Ukrainian Academic International Network is analyzed and examples of best practices of scientific cooperation are presented. The importance of attracting the intellectual potential of the scientific diaspora to the processes of reforming and developing education and science in Ukraine is emphasized. It is concluded that the list of best practices of scientific cooperation initiated by our scientific diaspora testifies to its desires and possibilities to contribute to the development of science and education in Ukraine and to promote their inclusion in the European and world research field. Given the current difficult financial situation in the country, this contribution can be a powerful determinative stimulus to ensure further reform and development of the country's economic and intellectual environments. Functioning of academic networks created by academics unites scientists in Ukraine and beyond, and is an example of the consolidation of high-class Ukrainians in general. The role of cooperation with scientific diaspora as consolidation factor of highly professional Ukrainians is discussed in the article. Activity of the Ukrainian Academic International Network is analysed and the examples of best practices of research cooperation are presented. The emphasis is put on the importance of attraction of scientific diaspora intellectual potential to reforming and development of education and science in Ukraine.

The representation and professional success of scientific diasporas of the Pushchino Scientific Center abroad

This paper analysis the composition and success of scientific diasporas from three research institutes of the Pushchino Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences that were formed as a result of the outflow of personnel in the 1990---2014 period. It is shown that the current cooperation of our scientists with representatives of scientific diasporas abroad is very weak. In this regard, it is noted that it is necessary to monitor scientific diasporas at the local level, which will help in establishing bilateral scientific relations. It is assumed that this monitoring can be offered to scientific and academic libraries as a new functions.

Cooperación internacional y emigración calificada: diáspora científica colombiana

Este documento esboza avances investigativos en torno a la relación de la diáspora científica colombiana y la cooperación internacional en Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (CTeI). Metodológicamente, se realizó una búsqueda en fuentes documentales de información, con objeto de desarrollar un estado del arte preliminar; presentar el marco institucional correspondiente y describir el proceso emigratorio del capital humano especializado, resaltando su evolución histórica y países de destino. Se destaca que Colciencias, ente rector en materia de investigación e innovación de Colombia, no dispone de canales oficiales de comunicación con la diáspora. Adicional, la información disponible sobre emigrantes calificados es limitada, lo que sugiere que por lo menos en el corto plazo, será difícil implementar políticas efectivas de repatriación cuya finalidad sea atraer los nacionales con mayores calificaciones residentes en el extranjero.

Foundation of Kyivan Rus in Approaches and Views Reprersented by Ukrainian Diaspora Scientists (the early 20th century – the early 1990s)

The article reviews approaches of Ukrainian diaspora scientists of the early ХХ century – the early 1990s to the problem of foundation of Kyivan Rus. The works devoted to different conceptions of the scholars concerning origin of poly-ethnonym «Rus» are examined. The author considers that in discussing the problem of origin of Kyivan Rus Ukrainian diaspora scientists appeared to be between the supporters of «Norman theory» (Nornanists) and «anti-Norman theory» (anti-normanists).

Mobility and International Collaboration: Case of the Mexican Scientific Diaspora.

We use a data set of Mexican researchers working abroad that are included in the Mexican National System of Researchers (SNI). Our diaspora sample includes 479 researchers, most of them holding postdoctoral positions in mainly seven countries: USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Canada and Brazil. Their research output and impact is explored in order to determine their patterns of production, mobility and scientific collaboration as compared with previous studies of the SNI researchers in the periods 1991–2001 and 2003–2009. Our findings confirm that mobility has a strong impact on their international scientific collaboration. We found no substantial influence among the researchers that got their PhD degrees abroad from those trained in Mexican universities. There are significant differences among the areas of knowledge studied: biological sciences, physics and engineering have better production and impact rates than mathematics, geosciences, medicine, agrosciences, chemistry, social sciences and humanities. We found a slight gender difference in research production but Mexican female scientists are underrepresented in our diaspora sample. These findings would have policy implications for the recently established program that will open new academic positions for young Mexican scientists.

Scientific Diaspora: Stay Plans of Indian Faculty in the United States

In recent years, the “brain drain” experienced by developing countries, as their scientists and engineers chose to work and live permanently in developed countries, is seen as reversing. Although a reverse brain drain is projected as a new trend, a substantial number of immigrant scientists and engineers continue to work and live in developed countries. This paper presents the reasons why Indian faculty in science and engineering stay in the United States. Data for this study come from 51 in-depth interviews of faculty members of Indian origin working in various research universities across theus. Findings show that, although Indian faculty came to theusfor higher education without intending to become permanent residents, they chose to stay mostly due to the research opportunities, favorable work environments, career prospects and lifestyle preferences available in theus. They cope with the absence of family and cultural distance through periodic visits to India and by developing professional relationships with scientists and engineers in their home country—activities that facilitate transnational migration. The study adds validity to the international migration theory, which has not taken this particular group of faculty into consideration.

Interaction with the Russian scientific diaspora as a necessary element of the state policy in science and technology

Interaction with the Russian scientific diaspora as a necessary element of the state policy in science and technology

Supporting the Scientific Diaspora

In their Editorial “Meeting global challenges” (7 February, p. [579][1]), P. A. Sharp and A. I. Leshner urge scientific institutions and funders to adjust to the increasingly global context of research, policy, and applications. In particular, the authors recognize that more opportunities are needed for scientists “to collaborate in international settings and participate in global science projects during their training years.” To advance this aim, we should provide better support for the scientific diaspora—those scientists working outside their native countries. Scientists working abroad, such as myself, often maintain strong personal and professional connections with our home countries. We have linguistic and cultural sensitivities that enable us to serve as bridges and foster trust between cultures and nations ([ 1 ][2]). This can pave the way for long-term relationships. International scientists can be a valuable resource for both U.S. institutions and the countries of origin, especially among developing nations, counterbalancing historic “brain drain” ([ 2 ][3]). In many disciplines, from field biologists to engineers, scientists working abroad are already extensively engaged internationally. The United States has benefited from the global pool of STEM graduate and postdoctoral researchers of foreign origin ([ 3 ][4]). Yet, at the training stage, we fall between the cracks. For instance, grants such as the Fulbright and National Science Foundation International Research Fellowship aim to provide applicants experience in a novel environment, thus explicitly excluding endeavors in applicants' countries of origin. Non-U.S. citizens are severely limited in funding options before the principal investigator stage. These deficiencies should be recognized and compensated with complementary programs that encourage interaction with countries of origin. Strengthening the capacity of diaspora scientists to do what we are uniquely positioned to do would go a long way toward meeting global challenges. 1. [↵][5] 1. N. P. Anand, 2. K. J. Hofman, 3. R. I. Glass , Acad. Med. 84, 525 (2009). [OpenUrl][6][CrossRef][7][PubMed][8][Web of Science][9] 2. [↵][10] 1. D. Kapur, 2. J. McHale , Give Us Your Best and Brightest: The Global Hunt for Talent and Its Impact on the Developing World (Brookings Institution Press, Baltimore, MD, 2005). 3. [↵][11] 1. J. E. Lane, 2. K. Kinser , The US relies heavily on foreign students to support STEM fields and the knowledge economy: Could the foreign talent bubble burst? (2013); [www.rockinst.org/observations/lanej/2013-05-Is\_Bubble\_Bursting.aspx][12]. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1250725 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #ref-3 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [6]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAcademic%2BMedicine%26rft.stitle%253DAcad.%2BMed.%26rft.issn%253D1040-2446%26rft.aulast%253DAnand%26rft.auinit1%253DN.%2BP.%26rft.volume%253D84%26rft.issue%253D4%26rft.spage%253D525%26rft.epage%253D534%26rft.atitle%253DThe%2Bglobalization%2Bof%2Bhealth%2Bresearch%253A%2Bharnessing%2Bthe%2Bscientific%2Bdiaspora.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1097%252FACM.0b013e31819b204d%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F19318794%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [7]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1097/ACM.0b013e31819b204d&link_type=DOI [8]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=19318794&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F343%2F6177%2F1312.atom [9]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000267655200029&link_type=ISI [10]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text [11]: #xref-ref-3-1 View reference 3 in text [12]: http://www.rockinst.org/observations/lanej/2013-05-Is_Bubble_Bursting.aspx

A Comparison of International Collaboration by Indian Scientists and the Diaspora Output: Country and Institutions

A comparison of the Indian diaspora output of scientific papers from different countries shows that it is more numerous than the papers written by India in foreign collaboration with the same countries. This indicates that there are possible channels of interaction or collaboration that can be set up with diaspora scientists. The main institutions in different countries from where Indian diaspora papers emerge are identified, and the main subject areas in which these papers are written in different countries is also determined. USA dominates in the institutions, but many are identified from other countries. Countries also have different scientific publishing profiles. This would have policy implications for intensifying efforts to establish links with the diaspora scientists or facilitate their return to their parent country.

The return of highlyskilled migrants to Serbia

Migration scholars argue that return migrants have the potential to become a developing force in their countries of origin, but that the realization of this 'diaspora solution to innovation capacity development' depends on different context factors. This paper contributes to capturing theoretically such context factors by making use of concepts of the Cultural-Historical Activity Theory. Based on an explorative empirical approach, a model of processes of return migration in a specific country (Serbia) is created. According to the findings of this paper, returnees offer potential for Serbian transnational innovation systems, which subsequently could strongly contribute to the social and economic development of Serbia. However, at present, the developmental potential of highly skilled returnees in Serbia has not bee realized yet. Returnees arrive with hopes to earn a living in Serbia and possibly to contribute to the development of the society. Still, there are many barriers for returnees, such as nepotism, as well as the existing power structures at potential workplaces and markets. At the same time, state institutions or independent organizations do not provide sufficient support to make a difference for the majority of returnees. Although there are some examples of returnees who are successful in developing innovative start-ups or becoming innovators in the existing organizations, their number remains limited. Nevertheless, it seems possible that returnees can become a developing force in Serbia and similar countries in transition. In order to realize this, the establishment of a sustainable support system for highly skilled returnees to Serbia and scientific diaspora members is needed.

World experience of interaction with scientific diasporas

World experience of interaction with scientific diasporas

Scientific diasporas, transnationalism and home-country development: evidence from a study of skilled Moldovans abroad

This paper discusses the Moldovan ‘scientific diaspora’ made up of students, researchers and those engaged in professional activities abroad, and their propensity to either return or engage in home-country development initiatives. Moldova has suffered a significant loss of its qualified personnel since 1991, due to a difficult political transition and current low level of development. An online survey, supplemented by follow-up interviews, enabled the authors to outline the parameters of the Moldovan scientific diaspora and its current and potential future transnational activities. Although skilled Moldovans do feel positive about their study and work experiences abroad, they are also keen to help in the development of their home country. However, several determinants are necessary to make this happen: information about institutional initiatives, political stability, improved socio-economic prospects and an adequate infrastructure, a shared vision of the diaspora role, as well as specific instruments for engagement. Policy options are discussed in the conclusion.

Scientific diaspora as a driving force for development in Serbia

U svetlu savremenih oblika migracija kao i globalizacije i brzog razvoja tehnologija i transporta, dijaspora se sve vise posmatra kroz transnacionalnu prizmu. Umesto ne svojom voljom rasejanih zemljaka koji sanjaju o povratku u zavicaj i suocavaju se s problemima integrisanja u zemlji prijema, dijaspora se shvata kao veza između svetova, zemlje porekla i zemlje prijema, koja omogucava da se migracija iskoristi za razvoj zajednice i drustva u celini. Umesto na povratku, naglasak je na kružnoj razmeni i transnacionalnoj mobilnosti. Na ovaj nacin zemlje jugoistocne Evrope pokusavaju da transformisu ‘odliv mozgova’, narocito izrazit devedesetih godina proslog veka, u ‘kruženje mozgova’ i ‘dobitak mozgova’. Migracija je u Srbiji devedesetih godina bila izazvana pre svega bekstvom od bolnih i krvavih građanskih ratova na tlu nekadasnje Jugoslavije, međunarodnom izolacijom i NATO bombardovanjem, kao i teskom ekonomskom situacijom. U tom periodu, narocito je bio veliki odliv mladih i obrazovanih ljudi pod parolom ‘da diplomiram, pa da emigriram’. Međutim, i posle 2000. godine nastavio se odlazak obrazovanih i strucnjaka, cesto motivisanih profesionalnim usavrsavanjem i razvojem karijere u inostranstvu. Mnogi mladi dobili su priliku da odu u inostranstvo uz pomoc stipendija stranih fondacija koje su imale za cilj da pomognu razvoj u Srbiji, poput Fondacije Aleksander fon Humboldt AvH, nemacke službe za akademsku razmenu DAAD, Fondacije Mumert, i slicno. Stoga je glavni cilj ovog rada da utvrdi da li je moguce povezati strucnjake iz dijaspore i mlade studente i inženjere iz Srbije da bi se olaksao transfer znanja i njihova mobilnost i tako sprecio nenadoknadiv gubitak za zemlju. Pored teorijskih razmatranja mogucnosti poboljsanja saradnje s dijasporom, clanak analizira jedan primer uspesne saradnje strucnjaka iz metalurske industrije Nemacke i strucnjaka u Srbiji, iniciran od strane predstavnika strucnjaka iz dijaspore. Na kraju se daju preporuke kako da se primene lekcije iz literature i prakse o razvoju održive saradnje strucnjaka iz dijaspore i mladih i strucnjaka u Srbiji.

INNOVATIVE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

With increasing globalization, firms in emerging countries are facing turbulent business environment that is marked by liberalization of economic policies and regulatory changes. In such cases firms have to undertake dynamic learning to develop new capability. In developing countries the challenge for firms to develop new competencies is more complex due to political and economic complexities. This paper shows the key role of Diaspora scientists and collaborative models of R&D in development of innovative capabilities in the Indian industry. It also reveals that Indian firms transformed their business models as a response to changing external environment and raises questions regarding future development of the industry.

Reflections on Cameroonian scientists in diaspora

Cameroonian scientists living abroad send substantial financial contributions back to the home country, primarily for domestic usage. Although they enjoy better working conditions and are internationally acclaimed, strong nostalgic and professional feelings drive them to seek ways of improving science and technology through research and development in their home country. Principal stakeholders are called upon to consider the effective involvement of the Cameroonian scientific Diaspora in its nation building and apply the suggestions raised in this paper as positive steps for the betterment of the country. Cameroon as a nation is particularly encouraged to work towards making changes in its internal conditions such that its scientific Diaspora maintains a feeling of national belonging, with the possibility of eventually returning back to the country. Key words: Laboratory, less developed countries, research and development, science and technology, scientific collaboration.