Abstract

The internationalization and specialization of science confront scientists with opportunities and sometimes even a need to become internationally mobile during their careers. Against this background, we systematically reviewed empirical studies on the effects that mobility across national borders has on the careers of scientists. Using several search channels, we identified 96 studies – published between 1994 and 2019 – that examine how international mobility influences eight dimensions of scientists’ careers. Listed in descending order of the number of identified studies, these dimensions comprise scientists’ (1) international networks, (2) scientific productivity, (3) occupational situation, (4) scientific impact, (5) competences and personality, (6) scientific knowledge, (7) access to research infrastructures and funds, and (8) symbolic capital. Existing research provides robust evidence of positive effects of international mobility on the broadening of scientists’ networks. Moreover, several solid studies examine the effect of international mobility on scientists’ productivity, impact, and occupational situation. Most of them find positive effects, but some also find no or negative effects. Studies on the other career dimensions are not only less frequent, but mostly also less robust. Our review reveals potential to advance research in the field by using less selective samples and more rigorous methodological approaches. Intending to spur further theory-driven empirical research, we develop a model integrating research on the identified career dimensions and derive various questions for future research. We conclude by highlighting policy implications of existing research.

中文翻译：

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国际流动对科学家的职业有什么影响？系统评价

摘要

科学的国际化和专业化使科学家面临着机遇，有时甚至需要在其职业生涯中走向国际移动。在这种背景下，我们系统地回顾了关于跨国界流动对科学家职业影响的实证研究。我们使用多个搜索渠道，确定了1994年至2019年之间发表的96项研究，这些研究考察了国际流动性如何影响科学家职业的八个方面。这些维度按已识别研究的数量从高到低列出，包括科学家的（1）国际网络，（2）科学生产率，（3）职业状况，（4）科学影响，（5）能力和个性，（6）科学知识；（7）获得研究基础设施和资金的渠道；（8）象征性资本。现有研究提供了强有力的证据，证明了国际流动对扩大科学家网络的积极影响。此外，一些可靠的研究检验了国际流动性对科学家的生产力，影响和职业状况的影响。他们中的大多数人都发现了积极的影响，但也有一些人没有发现或消极的影响。在其他职业方面的研究不仅不那么频繁，而且大多数情况下也不够完善。我们的综述揭示了通过使用较少选择性的样品和更严格的方法学方法来推进该领域研究的潜力。为了促进进一步的理论驱动的实证研究，我们开发了一个模型，该模型整合了对已确定的职业维度的研究，并为以后的研究提出了各种问题。最后，我们着重强调现有研究的政策含义。