Here’s a survey paper:
This paper reviews four decades of economics research on the brain drain, with a focus on recent contributions and on development issues. We first assess the magnitude, intensity and determinants of the brain drain, showing that brain drain (or high-skill) migration is becoming the dominant pattern of international migration and a major aspect of globalization. We then use a stylized growth model to analyze the various channels through which a brain drain affects the sending countries and review the evidence on these channels. The recent empirical literature shows that high-skill emigration need not deplete a country’s human capital stock and can generate positive network externalities. Three case studies are also considered: the African medical brain drain, the recent exodus of European scientists to the United States, and the role of the Indian diaspora in the development of India’s IT sector. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the analysis for education, immigration, and international taxation policies in a global context.
I’m a brain drainer myself, moving to the US from Canada for a high-skilled job. I did it because I felt that the opportunities for professional growth were better here and I haven’t been disappointed.
On the other hand, I totally understand why people return to their homelands (bringing those skills back), someday I probably will, too. The abstract of the paper doesn’t mention this factor but I’m sure it plays a big role.
Not Unreasonable 