Conceptualizing STEM Workforce Migration in the Modern World Polity

18 Pages Posted: 21 Apr 2010 Last revised: 15 May 2010

See all articles by Connie L. McNeely

Connie L. McNeely

George Mason University - School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs

Erika Camacho

Arizona State University - Division of Mathematical & Natural Sciences

Date Written: April 19, 2010

Abstract

Focusing on highly-skilled labor populations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, we offer a conceptual schema and approach to capture the complex dimensions and dynamics of labor migration and mobility relative to processes of brain drain, brain gain, brain circulation, and brain waste in the world today. Combining insights from sociology and applied mathematics, we invoke a conception of the modern world polity that incorporates a predator-prey logic in a robust and flexible analytical framework that can be adapted as a tool for model development. Aimed at providing a better understanding of STEM workforce migration across and within different levels of analysis, the primary purpose of this approach is to enable policy analysts and decision-makers to simulate and explore various mechanisms and factors affecting the processes in question and to identify pivotal areas for further research.

Keywords: science and technology workforce, migration, brain drain, world polity

Suggested Citation

McNeely, Connie L. and Camacho, Erika, Conceptualizing STEM Workforce Migration in the Modern World Polity (April 19, 2010). GMU School of Public Policy Research Paper No. 2010-10, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1593393 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1593393

Connie L. McNeely (Contact Author)

George Mason University - School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs ( email )

4400 University Dr., MS 3B1
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
United States

Erika Camacho

Arizona State University - Division of Mathematical & Natural Sciences ( email )

Farmer Building 440G PO Box 872011
Tempe, AZ 85287
United States
602-543-8156 (Phone)
602-543-3260 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.public.asu.edu/~etcamach/

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