Speaker
Description
Abagen, F. T.
Rev Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University
fabagen@bsum.edu.ng
Track: Research, Innovation and Knowledge Ecosystems
The persistent outflow of highly skilled human capital, traditionally framed as "brain drain," remains a critical impediment to building robust public policy and research ecosystems across Africa. However, the contemporary digital age offers unprecedented opportunities to recalibrate this challenge. This paper examines how African states can deploy strategic public policy mechanisms to transform brain drain into "brain gain" by institutionalising diaspora knowledge transfer systems. Theoretically, this study anchors its analysis in the Network Mobility Approach and Institutional Theory. The Network Mobility Approach shifts the paradigm from permanent physical return to virtual, circular brain circulation, viewing the diaspora as a transnational network asset. Institutional Theory complements this by evaluating how state-led regulatory frameworks, intellectual property regimes, and digital infrastructure either constrain or enable effective knowledge repatriation. Methodologically, this research adopts a qualitative, comparative case study design, focusing on the diaspora engagement policies of Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Utilizing secondary data from policy documents, continental frameworks (such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063), and existing institutional reports, the study employs thematic analysis to evaluate the efficacy of current state strategies. Preliminary insights reveal that while structural bottlenecks—such as weak institutional trust and fragmented intellectual property protections—hinder collaboration, targeted policies like digital diaspora registries, sovereign research grants, and bilateral institutional partnerships significantly optimize knowledge ecosystems. Ultimately, the paper provides a strategic roadmap for policymakers, demonstrating how international relations and domestic public policy can converge to leverage transnational networks, thereby fostering sustainable innovation and strategic autonomy on the continent.