Research on the mobility of scientific and technical talents between China and countries along the Belt and Road

中国与“一带一路”沿线国家的科技人才流动研究

Abstract

With the advancement of globalization, international talent mobility is becoming increasingly frequent, and competition among countries for scientific and technological (S&T) talents is growing ever more intense. Talent serves as a vital pillar and intellectual resource for the construction of the Belt and Road (B&R) initiative. However, cooperation in S&T talents between China and countries along the B&R is still at an early stage, with issues such as low levels of collaboration, incomplete mechanisms, and weak two-way interaction. This study proposes three research questions: (1) What is the current status and development of S&T talent mobility between China and countries along the B&R? (2) Has the introduction of the B&R affected the S&T talent mobility between China and countries along the B&R? (3) What is the heterogeneity of the policy effects generated by the B&R Initiative? To address those research questions, using scientific big data provided by the Scopus database, this study identifies over 950,000 international S&T talent mobility events related to the institutions in China mainland. By employing descriptive analysis, social network analysis, and difference-in-differences models, this study analyzes the current status and historical evolution of the S&T talent mobility between China and 64 countries along the B&R. The study also evaluates whether and how the B&R initiative enhances the S&T talent mobility between China and these countries. After the initiation of the B&R initiative, there has been a noticeable improvement in the positioning of the B&R countries in the ego-centered network of China's international S&T talent mobility. The initiative has not exacerbated the "Matthew Effect" in the S&T talent mobility between these countries and China, thus contributing to a more balanced development. Signing cooperation agreements for jointly building the B&R facilitates the promotion of talent mobility between B&R countries and China. Strengthening scientific cooperation between B&R countries and China enhances the impact of the initiative on S&T talent mobility. The findings provide a reference for optimizing the interaction of the S&T talent between China and the B&R countries and enhancing China's participation efficiency in global scientific and technological governance. The findings of this study have important implications. When promoting the interaction of S&T talents between China and countries along the B&R, it is necessary to consider regional differences and development trends due to varying geopolitical factors as well as differences in national economic and technological strengths. Countries in South Asia along the region such as Pakistan and India are showing an increasing trend in both absolute numbers and relative shares of S&T talent mobility with China. This indicates that countries in South Asia along the B&R have significant potential for development in science, technology, and talent cooperation with China. Specific and feasible measures should be taken when advancing the interaction of S&T talents between China and countries along the B&R, such as leveraging specific platforms and projects to amplify the policy effects of the initiative. Furthermore, research cooperation between China and countries along the B&R acts as a catalyst in enhancing the policy effects of the initiative. By addressing technological challenges in key areas and global scientific issues closely related to human societal needs, strengthening research cooperation between China and countries along the B&R facilitates interactive exchanges of knowledge, information, resources, and scientific talents.