ICFA '13 4th International Conference on Finance, Accounting and Law Chania, Greece 27-29 August

The brain drain phenomenon: measuring the intention of young Greek scientists to migrate abroad
Eleni E. Dalla
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology

Dimitrios Chatzoudes
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology

Anastasios Karassavoglou

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology

CONTENTS
Part

A: Introduction B: Aim of the study

Part

Part C: Research Methodology D: Results E: Conclusions

Part

Part

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

INTRODUCTION
The limited available income and the consequent reduction in consumer spending, The constant closures of numerous organizations nationwide, The reduction of the productive activity, The negative investment climate, Various problems in the fields of competitiveness and innovativeness.

Brain drain is defined as the exodus of young scientists from the domestic labor market and their migration to other countries that can provide employment under decent conditions.

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

AIM OF THE STUDY In the present paper the brain drain phenomenon in the case of Greece is being analyzed, focusing on the empirical investigation of the intention of young Greek scientists to migrate abroad. Primary data were collected in order to investigate the brain drain phenomenon.

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A. Population of the study

Graduates of Greek Institutions of Higher Education (namely, Technological Educational Institutes and Universities). Between 22 and 30 years of age.

322 people (young scientists) participated in the survey.

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

B. Questionnaire
The questionnaire consisted of 30 items (questions) and 4 sections. The first part refers to the demographic characteristics of the respondents (genre, age) The second part measures the educational level of the respondents. The third part collects various information concerning the occupational status of the respondents The fourth part measures the intention of the respondents to migrate abroad and, moreover, explores the reasons that have an impact on this decision.

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
C. Data collection
The appropriate data were collected using a questionnaire in two formats; paper and electronic.

Demographic Data
1. Gender Men : 35,7% Women: 64,3%
2.Age 22-24 years : 49,4% 25-27years: 24,5% 28-30 years: 26,1%

3.Family Situation
Not married: 77% Married: 18,3% Divorced: 4,7%

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESULTS
Education
34, 8% University

13,7% 46%

5% 34,8%

46% Tecnological Educational Institute 13,7% Master

5,6% PhD level

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESULTS
Employment Status of the Sample
Unemployed

3% 11%

43,5%

Employed in the private and public sector

Business Owners

42,5%

No occupation by choice or due to various other obligations

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESULTS
The 60,9% of the sample wants to migrate abroad.

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESULTS
The intention to migrate abroad by age.

64.80% 67.10% 52.40% 22-24 years old 25-27 years old 28-30 years old

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESULTS
Which Country?
60.00%

52.20%
50.00%

40.00%

30.00%

27.80%
20.00%

19.10%
10.00%

0.00%

European Union

USA

Australia

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

RESULTS
The 39,1% of the sample do not intend to migrate abroad.
Satisfied with their current jobs The economy of Greece will recovered

24.60%

19.90%

Will find a job in Greece

14.40%

Familly Issues

41.10%

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

CONCLUSIONS The main reason that pushes young Greeks to search for employment abroad is the high level of unemployment combined with the low salaries. In Greece the discussion and the problem concerning the transition of young people from education to work, was almost absent. There is a serious gap between University education and the introduction to the labor market for the graduates.

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

Until recently, much of the countrys educational system was running in order to supply the public sector with public employees.

CONCLUSIONS

The educational system should be updated in order to satisfied the private sector.
This can be achieved through the encouragement of entrepreneurship and innovation. As innovation created jobs for young people and helps increasing the competitiveness of the economy. Greece is in the 2nd worst position, concerning the public expenditures on innovation in European Union.

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

CONCLUSIONS The government must provide to the young people more jobs and increase the level of the available income.

The creation of public projects and large investment projects. By using the potential of key sectors, such as green economy, information and communication technologies, health and care. The reduction of the labor taxes. Using more effectively the recruitment subsidies (provided by E.U).

Introduction, Aim of the study, Research Methodology, Results, Conclusions

CONCLUSIONS

Greece must restore the capacity of the labor market:

By supporting the employees when they change/find jobs. By investing in new skills with better forecasting and monitoring the needs of the labor market in future. By equipping people with the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow. By encouraging all relevant actors to implement the necessary reforms, so the Greek labor market becomes more trustworthy.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTETION