Brain Drain is a slang term indicating substantial emigration or migration of individuals. A brain drain can result from turmoil within a nation, the existence of favorable professional opportunities in other countries, or from a desire to seek a higher standard of living. In addition to occurring geographically, brain drain may occur at the organizational or industrial levels when workers perceive better pay, benefits, or upward mobility within another company or industry.The phenomenon has been observed in numerous countries around the world and has led to negative consequences for both the departing individual and their home country. Brain drain can be costly for developing nations who lose skilled professionals and tax revenue that could have been used to improve infrastructure and social services. For example, in India an estimated $2 billion is lost annually as a result of brain drain (“India Loses Billions Annually as Skilled Workers Flee”). Additionally, many countries experience shortages of specialized skills when talented professionals leave en masse. This can impede economic growth and development as well as hinder efforts to address social problems such as illiteracy and poverty.Despite these drawbacks, there are also benefits associated with brain gain for both individuals and their home countries. Individuals who migrate typically enjoy improved standards of living due to increased earning potentials abroad; this often allows them to provide more financial support for family members back home. Additionally, those who leave their homes country often bring back new knowledge and skills which can benefit their compatriots upon return.. Countries that experience brain gain also tend to see increases in innovation rates due its citizens having access to different ideas and perspectives.
