The economic potential of globalization may ultimately depend on the international mobility of highly talented individuals who transfer and circulate knowledge and skills. Examples are seen throughout the globe of these skilled individuals utilizing ideas, capital and innovation to contribute to new technologies and business creation, both in their own countries and abroad. In today's globalized economy, the concept of "brain drain" is given a fresh look when highlighting the positive impacts of talent mobility on development.
On April 2, 2008, Global Economy and Development at Brookings hosted the release of a new publication, The International Mobility of Talent Types, Causes, and Development Impact Track (Oxford University Press, 2008), in coordination with the World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University. Panelists discussed the main determinants and development impact of talent mobility and how there is much to gain within the global economy if it is effectively managed.
Neil G. Ruiz, Nonresident Fellow, The Brookings Institution served as the moderator, with speakers Andres Solimano, Regional Advisor, United Nations, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN-ECLAC) and AnnaLee Saxenian, Dean and Professor, School of Information, University of California at Berkeley. Discussants included Michael Clemens, Research Fellow, Center for Global Development and Danny Leipziger, Vice President, Poverty and Reduction Network, World Bank.
