Migrants in the High-Tech and Engineering Sectors: An Emerging Research Area

Abstract

The number of migrants with specialized skills and higher education has increased significantly since the 1990s. These migrants are very active in high-tech and engineering-intensive industries that rely heavily on knowledge, innovation and advanced systems and processes. This paper pieces together the literature on this group of people to brings to light their importance and contribution to host countries. We noted that by virtue of their specialized knowledge and contribution, the high-tech migrants are globally valued and may enjoy unique privileges. Their key contribution takes forms of: filling labour shortages, innovation and patents, business and jobs creation, creation of innovative products and services, competition and technology upgrading, and global expansion and export.