World Competition for Skilled Labor

Archive Report

Growing Concern Over the ’Brain Drain’

An old problem with a new name—the “brain drain” —is stirring concern in both developed and underdeveloped countries. Skilled persons have always tended to migrate to places where opportunities are brightest—to ancient Athens, to imperial Rome or, today, to the United States. The modern brain drain is more serious than that of old, however; it involves the scientific, medical and engineering talent that poorer countries desperately need if they are to provide a better life for their citizens.

It is said that the United States, as principal beneficiary of the brain drain, is in effect receiving substantial foreign aid from the rest of the world. Current U. S. immigration policy encourages the influx of skilled labor. Thus, the famous inscription ...

locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles