Staying or leaving? Patterns and determinants of Italian researchers’ migration

This article aims to highlight some of the dynamics underlying Italian researchers’ migration patterns over the last decade. Building on data gathered through an international study (MORE 3), the analysis focuses on identifying perceptions of working conditions, career prospect and confidence in the national R&I system by Italian researchers in Italy and abroad over the last decade. On this basis, it provides a comparative assessment of researchers’ satisfaction with regards to their R&I environment in and outside Italy, across different fields of study and career stages. Results show that Italian researchers working abroad have a faster career progression than researchers in the Italian system and provide evidence of a low confidence of Italian researchers regarding career prospect in their own country. These findings are interpreted as major determinants of the decision to emigrate and develop an academic career abroad. Implications for future science policy in Italy are discussed.