Brain Drain: A Multi-criteria Decision Model

In this study, a multi-criteria decision model is proposed to examine the criteria affecting the decision on brain drain, which is the immigration of highly educated and competent individuals. Due to the interconnections among the criteria, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) is selected to model the decision problem and to obtain priorities. Based on the assessments of twenty-six participants who immigrated temporarily or permanently to different countries, economic situations, career opportunities and, political situations are the most important criteria pushing educated people (e.g., students and academicians) to immigrate. Brain drain has a significant effect on economic, political, and socio-cultural drivers, especially in the sending countries, and causes a considerable change in the population. Thus, the proposed model will be a guide for policymakers to develop effective policies regarding the mitigation and management of brain drain.