Brain Drain or Brain Gain?

There is plenty of talk in the media about the danger of brain drain as a consequence of the increased globalisation. But in reality, the situation resembles more an exchange of highly educated individuals that could benefit everyone. This report describes some of the conditions that are decisive for whether highly educated individuals emigrate from or immigrate to Denmark.
Highly educated individuals without families are more likely to migrate than highly educated individuals with families. However, having a foreign spouse/partner can increase the likelihood of emigration. Highly educated individuals from the natural and social sciences in particular are more likely to migrate. Individuals educated in the humanities are least likely to migrate.
The study was carried out as a collaboration between the Centre for Economic and Business Research and the Danish National Institute of Social Research.