Homeland-Diaspora Relations in Flux

Measures and policies intended to reduce the Greek brain drain

The emigration of scientists from Greece (i.e. the Greek brain drain), in combination with economic recession and austerity measures, created a viscous cycle of underdevelopment and crisis. Nonetheless, the phenomenon is undoubtedly a common trend in developing states, and many of the source countries make efforts to counter it, due mainly to the brain waste and to the huge losses they endure, in financial and human resources. In the context, though, of globalization, the manner in which governments might address the brain drain is far from being self- evident, as the one-fits-all measures can easily end up in limiting economic growth and scientific mobility. On the other hand, unsystematic legal incentives –like minimum wages or employment opportunities increase– are not sufficient by themselves, as scientists tend to prefer countries where their efforts and works are decisively recognized, and where meritocracy, scientists’ work conditions and status are not only secured but also steadily improved. However, despite the fact that, in theory, there is conclusive uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of many legal actions, in practice, the brain drain has alarming effects on the economy. Consequently, the Greek government had to finally adopt legislative measures, aiming somehow at strengthening research activities and at adapting its legal framework to the needs of scientists. This article aims to highlight and discuss some of the various legal provisions which were recently adopted (i.e. Law 4386/2016 titled Legislation on Research and other provisions, among others), and to examine whether they finally consist or not in promising efforts, due eventually to the fact that the country –under economic scrutiny and pressure– is not free to chose and implement a self-determining research policy; not, though, in order to make conclusions on their effectiveness –it is far too early for that– but to certainly analyze them in a critical way.

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