Details
- Publication date
- 31 March 2017
- Author
- European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE)
- Geographical scope
- European Union
- Level of education focus
- Higher education
- School education
- Thematic areas covered
- Education-to-work transitions, education and labour market
- Educational attainment and participation in education
- Governance of education
- International mobility
- Investment in education, economic impact of education
- Skills development
Description
This report examines the phenomenon of “brain drain” within the EU, focusing on the loss of public investment due to the emigration of highly educated individuals. It reviews migration trends of highly skilled workers, health professionals, and researchers, particularly within and from Eastern and Southern European countries.
The analysis identifies both potential losses—such as reduced human capital and innovation—and possible gains, including remittances, return migration, diaspora effects, and increased educational investment. Despite increasing policy interest, the report highlights serious limitations in available data and inconsistent methodologies across studies.
Findings show that only countries with low emigration rates and human capital stocks are likely to benefit from a “brain gain.” There is no single study capturing all the economic impacts of skilled migration.
The report concludes by calling for more rigorous and comprehensive research on intra-EU brain drain and its implications for education policy.
Author
Martina Viarengo
Cite as
Martina Viarengo (2017). 'Brain Drain within the European Union from the Perspective of Investments in Education', EENEE Ad hoc Report 1, 2017
