Scientific diasporas in Switzerland : Main findings, good practices and policy implications

Highly skilled migrations and scientific diasporas in Switzerland : some differences and similarities between India, South Africa and Colombia case study

Organized by International Labour Organization (ILO), Ecole Polytechnique Polytechnique F Fdrale de Lausanne (EPFL), University of Geneva (UNIGE), Geneva International Academic Network (GIAN)

Friday 26, October 2007

Causes and determinants of highly skilled migration and scientific diasporas

India
Search of greater educational, scientific and professional prospects Family reunification / marriage, social networks Student migration versus scientific mobility and skilled labour migration Studying and / or being part of research programs in institutes with excellent reputation Bilateral scientific, research and student exchange program Professional relocation High rate of crime, lack of security
Friday 26, October 2007

South Africa X X X X X X X

Colombia X X X X

X X X X X X

Brain Gain Initiatives

Knowledge transfer
Knowledge transfer
Lectures, scientific conferences, training during private visits Working with country of origin research and scientific institutes Knowledge sharing (scientific opportunities visiting, etc.) Consultancy and evaluation Creation of scientific and technological institutes

India X X X

South Africa X X

Colombia X X X X

Friday 26, October 2007

Research Partnerships including Research & Development

Research & Development
Existing bilateral research programs including on R & D

India

South Africa

Colombia

X (University level)

Greater potential for future R&D application for Ph. D research activities.

Institutional, political and financial constraints

Friday 26, October 2007

Scientific Diaspora Networks

Scientific Diaspora Networks
Using scientific diasporas networks and associations for brain gain initiatives

India

South Africa

Colombia

Many impediments to existing scientific diasporas networks or lack of visibility

Difficulty to mobilize

Friday 26, October 2007

Business opportunities
Business opportunities
Easing access to business opportunities for the country of origin in Switzerland

India

South Africa X

Colombia X

Outsourcing activities

Friday 26, October 2007

Social development related initiatives

Social development
Donation of fund for schools, dispensaries and hospitals Easing access to fund for local NGOs based to the country of origin

India X

South Africa X X

Colombia

Support to vulnerable children

Friday 26, October 2007

Some of the lessons drawing on scientific Diasporas and highly skilled initiatives for the homeland country
India
Networking (scientific, professional, social on the local and international level) and links with country of origin Commitment of the country of origin and country of residence Student migration versus scientific mobility and skilled labour migration Synergy and organized effort under diasporas networks and organizations Bottom up approach Involving roles models with successful integration in the country of residence Reinforcing sense of community and belongings
Friday 26, October 2007

South Africa X X X X X X X

Colombia X X X X X X X

X X X X X X

Policy perceptions about brain gain, scientific diasporas and the overall development of the country of origin (1/2)
Policy perceptions
Effective and sustainable policies to attract and promote temporary return to highly skilled and qualified personals Granting dual citizenship Supporting Diasporas initiatives and academic, inter-institutional exchanges Identifying skills and qualifications within scientific diasporas and mobilizing diasporas into development goals and project linking them with local counterparts Increasing involvement and participation into scientific and professional diasporas networks

India X X X

South Africa

Colombia

X X X

Friday 26, October 2007

Policy perceptions about brain gain, scientific diasporas and the overall development of the country of origin (2/2)
Creating a synergy between diasporas members together with policymakers, government, local leaders, bilateral and multilateral agencies for pragmatic interventions and initiatives for the country of origin Making visible the content and skills of the Diaspora and enhanced awareness and communication with responsible agencies (embassies, etc.)

Friday 26, October 2007

Friday 26, October 2007