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Brain drain on the fast train: high-speed connections and student mobility

Author

Listed:
  • Edoardo Frattola

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Elena Lazzaro

    (Bank of Italy)

  • Ilaria Lopresti

    (University of Florence)

  • Mario Tartaglia

    (FS Research Centre)

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of improved connectivity on internal student mobility, focusing on the staggered expansion of Italy's high-speed trains (HST) network between 2010 and 2019. Using administrative data on university enrollments and a difference-in-differences design that accounts for variation in treatment timing, we find that the introduction of an HST stop leads to a significant increase in student outflows from treated provinces, with no corresponding rise in inflows. The effect is concentrated in Southern regions and driven by long-distance relocations, particularly toward larger urban centers. These findings suggest that extending high-speed train service may contribute to the spatial reallocation of human capital away from the newly connected, more peripheral areas, reinforcing existing regional disparities in talent distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Edoardo Frattola & Elena Lazzaro & Ilaria Lopresti & Mario Tartaglia, 2026. "Brain drain on the fast train: high-speed connections and student mobility," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 1519, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:wptemi:td_1519_26
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • R40 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - General
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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