Reasons for emigrating and returning: International trajectories of entrepreneurial managers and innovative industries in Spain

Abstract

This work analyses the migration experience of managers and entrepreneurs involved in innovation sectors. The first objective focuses the identification of explanatory factors of the international mobility of highly skilled personnel. Secondly, it analyses the influence of international mobility in the professional careers of highly skilled personnel. This analysis will address from a gender perspective, it means, comparing men and women differences in their mobility strategies and professional development. The methodology is based on interviews carried out to national and international managers and entrepreneurs who had a significant international experience in terms of length and functions. The results show that reasons of migration are related with training purposes although displaying a clear orientation towards their international’s profiles. Once completed the cycle, most of them decide return for personal reasons. The gender analysis reflects agency of women in mobility strategy, but women are more influenced than men for family issues.