How Experts Abroad Can Fuel Homegrown Success
AT the recent 9th Science and Technology Program hosted by the Mustafa Foundation of Science and Technology (MSTF) in Tehran – the impact of brain drain to Muslim countries was discussed.
Brain drain has become a common topic of discussion and it is often viewed unfavourably by the countries that lose their talent.
Many excellent scientists from Muslim countries move to the Global North seeking greener pastures abroad where they enjoy better infrastructure, salaries, work culture, opportunities to collaborate, funding, prospects for career advancements and quality of life.
They contribute significantly to the development of science and technology in the West.
Is brain drain a negative phenomenon?
What is it that is expected from scientists and STEM talents who are not able to find fulfilling careers in their home countries, who face gender and race inequality, lack of opportunities and the right ecosystem where their skills are used for the advancement of science and technology?
Do we want them to still stay in their home countries? The roundtable discussion held at Isfahan University of Technology in Iran recently discussed this growing phenomenon, ways to curb it and making it gainful for both the individuals and their home nations.
The experts were divided on the benefits of brain drain and one even said it must be stopped at all cost. The global average of brain drain stands at 3.3% and is growing.
There are a few ways to turn the tide. Governments are trying to stem the bleeding of this one-way exodus of talent by drawing up incentives to motivate experts to return home.
This is firefighting and an attractive salary alone would not be the pull factor. A long term approach is addressing the root cause and build a conducive ecosystem to motivate our talent to remain and contribute in their countries of origin. This is not an easy feat and requires loads of political will to address a myriad of issues. Alternatively, we could leverage on the diaspora to build the ecosystem in their individual countries by addressing the following:
Powerful global network – The diaspora of experts creates a powerful global network that facilitates the exchange of knowledge, skills, and resources. Local scientists could collaborate with them to bring back cutting-edge technologies, innovative practices, and fresh perspectives to their home countries.
Valuable resource persons – The diaspora could be used as resource persons to train young scientists back home during their vacations in return of airfare for them and their family. This will help impart knowledge on advanced scientific techniques and technologies.
Powerful think tank – The diaspora could also serve as think tank to reform their countries’ science and technology, policies, work environment and culture, STEM education, research and funding priorities.
Training platforms – The experts laboratories abroad could serve as an excellent training platform for internship placement for students and early career researchers, with a caveat that these trainees return home and serve the country for a stipulated year.
So, maybe time to shift the gear and think about different ways to incentivise experts on how they can contribute significantly to their home countries, even from afar. All is not lost after all. Borders can become bridges.
