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The Determinants of Brain Drain and the Role of Citizenship in Skilled Migration

Author

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  • Alejandro Vega-Muñoz

    (Doctoral School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain
    Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Santiago 8330507, Chile)

  • Paloma González-Gómez-del-Miño

    (Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain)

  • Nicolás Contreras-Barraza

    (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340025, Chile)

Abstract

Brain drain represents a critical challenge to global development, reflecting structural inequalities and tensions between mobility and rootedness. This study analyzes the determinants of skilled migration in 178 countries (2006–2022) using a regression model based on panel data, identifying six key variables: uneven economic development, the quality of public services, external intervention, voice and accountability, the rule of law, and political stability. Governance, particularly political stability and the rule of law, stands out as crucial for retaining talent, while external interventions and economic inequality exacerbate emigration. From a sociological perspective, migrants are active agents who transform transnational networks, challenging traditional notions of citizenship and belonging. Civil society organizations play a central role by facilitating sociocultural inclusion, mediating resettlement processes, and promoting brain circulation as an alternative to retention-focused models. Additionally, this study highlights the cultural and symbolic dimension of migration, revealing the impact of uprooting on communities of origin. Future research should explore how inclusive policies, digital nomadism, and remittances can reduce structural inequalities, strengthen the connection between migrants and their communities, and advance towards a sustainable and equitable mobility model.

Suggested Citation

  • Alejandro Vega-Muñoz & Paloma González-Gómez-del-Miño & Nicolás Contreras-Barraza, 2025. "The Determinants of Brain Drain and the Role of Citizenship in Skilled Migration," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:132-:d:1598023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lin Chen & Fengyun Mu, 2021. "Spatiotemporal characteristics and driving forces of terrorist attacks in Belt and Road regions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(3), pages 1-24, March.
    2. Balu Ramoo & Chong Yee Lee & Cheng Ming Yu, 2017. "Eliciting salient beliefs of engineers in Malaysia on migrating abroad," Migration Letters, Migration Letters, vol. 14(2), pages 221-236, May.
    3. Jarand H Aarhus & Tor G Jakobsen, 2019. "Rewards of reforms: Can economic freedom and reforms in developing countries reduce the brain drain?," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 22(4), pages 327-347, December.
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