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What effects does international mobility have on scientists' careers? A systematic review
[journal article]
Abstract The internationalization and specialization of science confront scientists with opportunities and sometimes even a need to become internationally mobile during their careers. Against this background, we systematically reviewed empirical studies on the effects that mobility across national borders ha... view more
The internationalization and specialization of science confront scientists with opportunities and sometimes even a need to become internationally mobile during their careers. Against this background, we systematically reviewed empirical studies on the effects that mobility across national borders has on the careers of scientists. Using several search channels, we identified 96 studies - published between 1994 and 2019 - that examine how international mobility influences eight dimensions of scientists’ careers. Listed in descending order of the number of identified studies, these dimensions comprise scientists’ (1) international networks, (2) scientific productivity, (3) occupational situation, (4) scientific impact, (5) competences and personality, (6) scientific knowledge, (7) access to research infrastructures and funds, and (8) symbolic capital. Existing research provides robust evidence of positive effects of international mobility on the broadening of scientists' networks. Moreover, several solid studies examine the effect of international mobility on scientists’ productivity, impact, and occupational situation. Most of them find positive effects, but some also find no or negative effects. Studies on the other career dimensions are not only less frequent, but mostly also less robust. Our review reveals potential to advance research in the field by using less selective samples and more rigorous methodological approaches. Intending to spur further theory-driven empirical research, we develop a model integrating research on the identified career dimensions and derive various questions for future research. We conclude by highlighting policy implications of existing research.... view less
Keywords
female scientist; scientist; career; job success; mobility; science; internationalization; networking
Classification
Occupational Research, Occupational Sociology
Free Keywords
international mobility; scientific migration; researcher; effect
Document language
English
Publication Year
2020
Page/Pages
p. 327-351
Journal
Research Evaluation, 29 (2020) 3
ISSN
1471-5449
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed
Licence
Creative Commons - Attribution 4.0
With the permission of the rights owner, this publication is under open access due to a (DFG-/German Research Foundation-funded) national or Alliance license.