High-skilled immigration and innovation

Abstract

This chapter provides an extensive review of the existing empirical literature that analyses the impact of (mostly high-skilled) migration on the innovative performances of firms, regions, and countries. The authors discuss the different features of the immigrant labour force, such as education, occupation, age, and internal ethnic diversity, that play a role in the contribution of immigrants to innovation. By categorizing the existing studies on the basis of the definition of innovation and migration that they adopt, as well as on the specific level of analysis chosen (at the firm, regional, or country level), the chapter also engages in an in-depth discussion about the policy implications that can be drawn from the existing evidence. Finally, the chapter outlines some suggestions about the implementation of appropriate immigration policies, able to truly foster innovation in European countries.