International temporary mobility of researchers: a cross-discipline study

Abstract

The increasing literature addressing international mobility of researchers has repeatedly pointed out the lack of empirical data compiled over the last two decades, jeopardizing progress in the understanding of the characteristics and impacts of such human flows. This paper makes a contribution to the field by exploring the extent to which information obtained from researchers' electronic curriculum vitae (CV) may be used to study temporary geographical mobility. We exploit a new type of data set-a comprehensive database of electronic CVs-developing a broad set of cross-discipline mobility indicators to assess the dimensions and characteristics of international research visits among a population of over 10,000 researchers. The sample population is made up of PhD holders working in the regional research system of Andalusia, Spain. Information regarding their international research visits over the last four decades is downloaded from CVs contained in the electronic scientific information system of the region. We assess mobility rates and the characteristics of the temporary mobile population. The analysis of visiting patterns shows significant differences in mobility profiles in terms of frequency, duration and destination of visits, across disciplines, career stages and time periods. The study also shows how different definitions of international mobility lead to substantial variations in cross-discipline mobility rates.

The impact of internationalization on volume and quality of scholarly publication performance

“…Working in different universities allows academics to build networks, and the formation of these networks helps advance science (Guth, 2008). In the literature we find evidence that the number of visits per academic employee shows an increasing trend over the last four decades in most disciplines (Cañibano et al, 2011). Going abroad enhances contact with peers and a higher level of feedback by peers will have a positive effect on publication performance (Verbree, 2011).…”

Recreational boating incidents based on marine surveyors reports: Economic, safety and prevention issues across Spain

“…In this case, relative frequency values are studied using the so-called p-charts and severities using x charts, which adjust for different sample sizes. These tools have already been applied in the social sciences with success to establish location profiles (Cañibano et al, 2011).…”

Reintegration of Slovak Researchers Returning to Slovak Companies

“…According to Edler et al international mobility can be potential option for scientists to improve their access to colleagues, knowledge and skills [5]. The international mobility of researchers has been acknowledged as a powerful mechanism for knowledge transfer (Adams 1968) [6]. The Australian researchers' mobility portal considers "the mobility of researchers to and from Australia important for the vitality of Australia as a knowledge-driven economy within the global community.…”

“…Cañibano et al argue about the central phenomenon of the initial debate so-called "brain drain/brain gain" (Adams 1968). However, the inherent nomadism and networking that characterizes the scientific profession, made some scholars reconsider the drain/gain approach and start talking rather about "brain circulation" (Meyer 2001) [6].…”