Global Research Project to Investigate Wales’ ‘Brain Drain’
A Welsh international diaspora organization, GlobalWelsh, has initiated a significant research endeavor aimed at understanding the reasons why diaspora members leave Wales and what factors might encourage their return.
The departure of talented individuals from Wales is becoming an escalating economic and social concern for the nation’s future prosperity. This trend could potentially impede Wales’ ability to capitalize on emerging industries like green energy, AI, cyber, and technology.
Dr. Sarah Louisa Birchley, a Professor in the Faculty of Business Administration at Tokyo Gakuen University and a GlobalWelsh board member specializing in global diaspora entrepreneurship, will spearhead the research effort. Dr. Birchley will survey Welsh individuals residing and working across the globe, seeking insights into why they left Wales, their current ties to their homeland, and the incentives that could prompt them to come back.
This research collaboration is in partnership with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the not-for-profit water company in Wales, demonstrating a united effort to address the issue of brain drain in Wales.
Dr. Birchley expressed her enthusiasm for delving into the Welsh diaspora’s dynamics and their potential impact on the nation’s development. The research aims to not only identify the Welsh diaspora and their attributes but also shed light on their sense of identity, connections to their communities, and entrepreneurial opportunities that could benefit Wales.
Given the estimated three million strong Welsh diaspora globally, which mirrors the total population of Wales itself, the research holds immense significance. The findings will be openly shared in the autumn to inform future policies, economic strategies, and business planning initiatives in Wales.
Walter May, the founder and CEO of GlobalWelsh, emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind the Welsh brain drain and the necessity of retaining and attracting talent for Wales’ growth. This comprehensive research project seeks to gather detailed data on why individuals leave Wales, their willingness to return, and their potential contributions to Wales’ global success.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s Business Support and People Director, Martin Driscoll, highlighted the importance of this global research project in enabling Welsh organizations to comprehend and address the barriers preventing the return of global talent to Wales.
The survey is now open for Welsh diaspora members worldwide, including those residing in the UK, and will remain active until August 2024. By participating in the survey, individuals can contribute valuable insights that will shape the future of Wales by addressing the challenges posed by brain drain and fostering a conducive environment for talent retention and attraction.
The research project endeavors to make a significant impact on Wales’ future by harnessing the potential of its diaspora and creating opportunities for sustainable growth and development.
