International migration, knowledge diffusion and innovation capacities in the Indian pharmaceutical industry

Kale, Dinar (2009). International migration, knowledge diffusion and innovation capacities in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. New Technology, Work and Employment, 24(3) pp. 260–276.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-005X.2009.00233.x

Abstract

Evidence suggests that 'Reverse brain drain' of engineers and scientists trained in the US or Europe can accelerate technological upgrading in knowledge based firms in emerging countries. There are important ways in which communities of returned scientists and engineers can provide the skill and know-how to help local firms shift to innovative activities. However the firm level issues associated with knowledge transfer and creation through returned migration is still poorly understood. Literature focused on knowledge flow shows that the transfer of knowledge through human mobility is not a straight-forward process. This paper presents human resource management strategies adopted by firms from developing country in attracting and retaining scientific workforce. It also points out firm level issues involved in knowledge transfer and creation through migration of scientific labour using case studies of innovative Indian pharmaceutical firms.