Brain drain is the process of qualified and talented individuals leaving their home countries and migrating to other countries, usually for economic, political, social or educational reasons. These individuals are usually scientists, engineers, doctors, academics and other experts. This situation can lead to a decrease in the qualified workforce in the countries of emigration and negatively affect economic and social development in the long term.

This situation is usually common among scientists, engineers, doctors, academics and other professionals who are looking for better education, career opportunities, living conditions and research opportunities. Brain drain can negatively affect economic and social development in countries of emigration, because these countries are deprived of the contributions of talented individuals.

Brain drain is a serious problem for developing countries like Turkey.

Brain drain has increased in Turkey in recent years. Many talented individuals migrate abroad, especially for reasons such as the search for educational and career opportunities and political and economic uncertainties.

Statistics

• Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) Data: According to the data published by TÜİK in 2019, the number of citizens migrating from Turkey was recorded as 330 thousand. A significant portion of these migrants are highly educated and qualified workforce.

• Students Studying Abroad: There is also an increase in the number of students going abroad from Turkey for educational purposes. In 2018, approximately 50 thousand Turkish students were studying abroad. Some of these students do not return after their education and stay in the countries they go to.

• Highly Qualified Workforce Migration: A large portion of the highly qualified workforce going abroad from Turkey migrates to developed countries such as the USA, Germany, England and Canada.

o University Quality: The quality of education at universities should be increased, education should be provided at international standards and they should be promoted in world rankings.

o Scholarship and Incentive Programs: Domestic and international scholarship and incentive programs for successful students should be increased.

o Research Funds: More funding should be provided for scientific research and the research infrastructure should be strengthened.

o International Collaborations: Collaborations with universities and research institutions abroad should be increased.

o Employment Policies: More employment opportunities should be created for young people and qualified workforce.

o Career Development Programs: Career development programs and vocational training should be provided to evaluate talents within the country.

o Competitive Salaries: Highly qualified workforce should be offered salaries and social rights at a level that can compete with opportunities abroad.

o Health and Safety: Improving health services and ensuring safety can reduce brain drain by increasing the quality of life.

o Social Opportunities: Increasing cultural and social opportunities can encourage talented individuals to stay in the country.

o Start-up Ecosystem: Support programs should be created for new entrepreneurs and innovation should be encouraged.

o Funds and Credits: Appropriate funding and credit opportunities should be provided for entrepreneurs.

o Incentive Programs: Programs should be created to encourage those educated abroad to return.

o Return Support: Support should be provided for individuals who return to find jobs in Turkey and continue their careers.

These strategies can help Turkey reduce brain drain and retain qualified workforce in the country. Preventing brain drain is critical to Turkey’s economic and social development.