Identification of Motivational Factors Influencing the Return of Researchers Focusing on the Slovak Environment

Abstract

Poor conditions for research, depreciation of value of researchers, and low salary are only few factors influencing foreign migration of young Slovak researchers in recent years. This paper focuses on understanding the problem of brain drain and analyzing factors which are affecting the migration of Slovak researchers mainly to EU countries. Based on these factors, few ideas were suggested to maximize the benefits of return and reintegration of a returnee. Evidence suggests that a reasonable salary level, financial grants possibilities, and experts to collaborate with should be guaranteed in order to ensure smooth return of the researchers. This paper deals with factors influencing decision-making process of researchers working abroad when considering their return. Based on the analysis recommendations to increase the motivation of the researchers to return were proposed. There were proposed changes in reward structure of researchers at the university. These changes can significantly affect attitude of researchers towards moving back to Slovakia and maximize the potential value associated with their international mobility. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.