Il brain drain di scienziati ed ingegneri: il caso francese

The paper presents the analysis of brain drain and temporary migration of intellectual capital to and from France. Although it has not been possible to make a complete picture of flows, due to the lack of reliable figures, the paper examines the main characteristics and dimensions of the migration flows of scientists, engineers and enterpreneurs towards the Anglo-saxon countries still the most attractive area of destination . After a short analysis of the French research system, this paper discusses the difference between the present and past migration flows, underlining the choices of the young professionals generation. A section is devoted to the study of the reasons behind the outward flows - mainly towards Anglo-saxon Countries- and the inward ones - mainly due to study committments of high qualified human resources coming in large part from Northern Africa. Some strategies aimed at decreasing the brain drain from France are presented and discussed