British and Indian Scientists Moving to the U.S.
Work and Occupations, Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 68-100, 2011
58 Pages Posted: 5 Nov 2010 Last revised: 30 Oct 2012
Date Written: November 1, 2010
Abstract
This paper analyses why British and Indian scientists working in Boston’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector moved to the U.S. Based on over two hundred structured interviews, I examine two aspects of their migration. First, whether both groups differed in their reasons for migration, and second, how important economic and social network factors were in influencing their migration. I show that there were distinct differences between both groups. British scientists were driven mainly by professional opportunities, whereas Indian scientists were mainly driven by educational opportunities. Both groups used social contacts to varying degrees when making the final decision to move to the U.S.
Keywords: Highly Skilled Migrants, Social Networks, Boston, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sector, Human Capital
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