La relación estado-diáspora calificada en la República Argentina. Análisis crítico y propuestas, en torno a las actuales políticas y estrategias de vinculación y retorno

Abstract

The number of skilled Argentine migrants is around 250,000 and it has been increasing in the last years. There is little information about these migrants since over the last decade, Argentine public policy on skilled diasporas – known as RAICES program – has only been aimed at scientists, leaving aside professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, and others. However, even that little group – scientific diaspora – has mainly been in slight contact with the state despite the existence of RAICES. On the other hand, bonds and collaboration between colleagues in the local milieu have been stronger, though its scope is limited since they are almost invisible for the state (which manages economic, operating and structural resources, among others). The present investigation reaches that result and many other results, through fieldwork that was based on quantitative and qualitative methodology. In the first case, interviews were conducted over investigators specialized in skilled migration in Argentina, Latin America, and Europe, as well as inquiries made to members of the scientific diaspora, whereas in the second case, a survey was conducted over scientists of the diaspora and another one was conducted over scientists residing in Argentina. In general terms, results show that the poor bond between the Argentine state and its diaspora is more related to the characteristics and the place that the Argentine scientific system takes on the country’s agenda. However, RAICES also revealed flaws, which will be described in detail. Therefore, all fieldwork was centered on the examination of the relationship between the Argentine scientific diaspora with the state and with colleagues within the country. At the same time, fieldwork also encompasses factors that influence positively or negatively on those relationships (bonding and return). Lastly, it was proven through conducted research that Argentina is far away from a Brain Circulation due to the lack of compliance with the minimum terms that sustain it.