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Most countries offer a range of policies focused on assisting and encouraging mobility, although few have a specific and coherent mobility strategy. Many nations aim to attract the same pool of highly skilled talent; thus, relying on international flows to fill existing or future gaps in supply may entail risks. Addressing shortcomings in national policies that may limit domestic supply of skilled workers, and ensuring that the wider environment for innovation and scientific endeavour is sound, are key policy challenges for countries.

This publication draws on analytical literature, the most recent data available and the very valuable policy inventories and evaluations undertaken by some OECD member and observer countries in order to discuss the dimensions, significance and policy implications of international flows of human resources in science and technology (HRST). It aims to extend countries’ understanding of the dimensions of HRST mobility, particularly of scientists, engineers and researchers, and the range of policies available to manage and shape this mobility, by drawing together analysis on international mobility, knowledge transfer and innovation, and related government policy.

Table of contents

Executive Summary (download)

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Knowledge Diffusion and Impacts of International Mobility

• Why is mobility important?
• What induces mobility?
• How does mobility spread knowledge?
• How much knowledge moves?
• The effect on the receiving country
• The effect on the sending country
• Highly skilled immigration and world welfare
• Summary

Chapter 3. Mobility and Its Impact: Data and Evidence

• Patterns of mobility
• Impact
• Outlook – the internationalisation of R&D
• Summary

Chapter 4. Current Policy Approaches

• Mobility strategies
• Overview of policies
• Discussion of national-level policies
• Policy at the institutional level
• Summary

Chapter 5. Looking Ahead: Mobility Policy

• Establishing the rationale for government intervention
• What role for mobility policy?
• Policy coherence
• Summary

Annex: Policy Inventory by Country (download here)

How to obtain this publication

Readers can access the full version of this book choosing from the following options:

• Browse free online and purchase the PDF e-book and/or print edition via our OECD Online Bookshop.
• Subscribers and readers at subscribing institutions can access the online edition via SourceOECD, our online library.
• Government officials with accounts (subscribe) can go to the "books" tab on OLIS.
• Order from your local distributor.
• Access by password for accredited journalists .

Related Documents

The Global Competition for Talent: Mobility of the Highly Skilled (Executive Summary)

Policy Brief: The Global Competition for Talent

International Mobility of the Highly Skilled

A Profile of Immigrant Populations in the 21st Century: Data from OECD Countries