Migration Boosts Regional Innovation: East German Inventors Fuel West German Growth
A recent study has revealed the significant impact of migration on regional innovation and economic growth. The research, led by Max Deter, Antonin Bergeaud, Maria Greve, and Michael Wyrwich, focuses on the movement of East German inventors to West Germany between 1945 and 1961.
During this period, approximately three million people fled East Germany due to political repression and economic stagnation. Among them were many skilled professionals, including inventors and scientists, who chose to settle in regions like Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia in West Germany.
These regions experienced a substantial and enduring increase in patent activity, particularly in fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical technology. The study evaluated over 700,000 patents and used surname proximity to track migration patterns. It found that a 1% rise in inventor immigration per 100,000 residents led to a 9% boost in patent activity, with effects lasting nearly two decades.
Family and community ties played a crucial role in helping these inventors settle and integrate into their new regions, amplifying the positive effects of migration. The study's insights suggest that regions should actively attract and retain skilled professionals to drive local innovation and economic development.
The study offers valuable lessons for regions worldwide, demonstrating that effectively managed migration can be a key driver of economic and technological advancement. By leveraging cultural and historical connections to draw talent, regions can strengthen their innovation capabilities and foster long-term growth.
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