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Understanding the Relationship Between Immigration and Innovation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

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  • Capoani

    (University of Trieste)

  • Chabert

    (Sapienza University of Rome)

  • Izzo

    (University of Turin)

Abstract

The relationship between immigration and innovation has become an urgent topic of discussion in the USA and in the European Union due to the current migration patterns and the crucial role played by innovation as a driver of growth in modern economies. The present study is a systematic review regarding the investigation of the status of the research on immigration, ethnic diversity, and their impact on innovations, especially at the firm’s organisational level. With a focus on high-skilled immigrants, a closer examination of the link between migration and economic performance of the private sector has been conducted during the research. The paper will focus on the elements that impact the contributions of migrants towards the total level of innovation of host countries. Cultural diversity, demographic agglomeration forces, and the educational backgrounds of newcomers are identified as drivers of innovation which influence patenting activity. Additionally, the research provides an overview of the positive influence of migration on innovation spillovers, taking into account its ability to isolate the channels concerning education history and labour supply that lead to this beneficial effect. The evidence suggests that immigrants contribute to the overall level of economic growth and innovation in destination countries, as spillovers of entrepreneurial capabilities and scientific and technological knowledge appear to be fundamental to innovation in host countries. Nonetheless, policy-makers are presented with expected outcomes, as well as no evidence to suggest that migration is detrimental to a strong research and development sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Capoani & Chabert & Izzo, 2024. "Understanding the Relationship Between Immigration and Innovation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy, Springer, vol. 7(2), pages 122-136, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joerap:v:7:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s41996-023-00135-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s41996-023-00135-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ottaviano, Gianmarco & Peri, Giovanni, 2008. "Immigration and National Wages: Clarifying the Theory and the Empirics," CEPR Discussion Papers 6916, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Burchardi, Konrad & Terry, Stephen & Chaney, Thomas & Tarquinio, Lisa & Hassan, Tarek, 2020. "Immigration, Innovation, and Growth," CEPR Discussion Papers 14719, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    3. Massimiliano Bratti & Chiara Conti, 2018. "The effect of immigration on innovation in Italy," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(7), pages 934-947, July.
    4. Nathan, Max, 2011. "Ethnic inventors, diversity and innovation in the UK: evidence from patents microdata," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 58329, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    5. Winters, John V., 2014. "Foreign and Native-Born STEM Graduates and Innovation Intensity in the United States," IZA Discussion Papers 8575, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Immigration; Meta-analysis; Innovation; High-skilled workers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J6 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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