Complex network analysis for international talent mobility based on bibliometrics

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore international talent mobility and identify its negative/positive factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric data from Scopus are explicated to model the mobility network and providing a more comprehensive posture. In addition, by using indicators of complex network, significant features of international talent mobility are described quantitatively. After that, by introducing a kind of improved gravity model with multiple linear regression, the authors identify factors to explain international talent mobility flows.

Findings

With the analysis of international talent mobility in complex network, the overall network is not balanced. A small part of developed countries and developing countries with good emergency attract and drain a lot of talents and talents usually moving between these countries, the amount of talents leaving or entering into other countries is very limited. Furthermore, according to multiple linear regression, it is found that the share of migrants in population is the major negative factor for international talent mobility, and the factors of destination countries is more significant than original countries.

Originality/value

The result of this paper may support further research studies and political suggestions for cultivating, attracting and retaining scientific and technological talents in the world.

Citation

Wang, Y., Luo, H. and Shi, Y. (2018), "Complex network analysis for international talent mobility based on bibliometrics", International Journal of Innovation Science, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 419-435. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIS-04-2019-0044