Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/232768 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 14016
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper studies the impact of U.S. immigration barriers on global knowledge production. We present four key findings. First, among Nobel Prize winners and Fields Medalists, migrants to the U.S. play a central role in the global knowledge network – representing 20-33% of the frontier knowledge producers. Second, using novel survey data and hand-curated life-histories of International Math Olympiad (IMO) medalists, we show that migrants to the U.S. are up to six times more productive than migrants to other countries – even after accounting for talent during one's teenage years. Third, financing costs are a key factor preventing foreign talent from migrating abroad to pursue their dream careers, particularly talent from developing countries. Fourth, certain 'push' incentives that reduce immigration barriers – by addressing financing constraints for top foreign talent – could increase the global scientific output of future cohorts by 42% percent. We conclude by discussing policy options for the U.S. and the global scientific community.
Subjects: 
immigration
science
talent
universities
JEL: 
O33
O38
F22
J61
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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