Migration Structure of Russian Intellectuals within the Academic and Industry Environment

Abstract

The article, based on a statistical analysis and the results of sociological research conducted by and under supervision of the authors of the article in the Center for Social Forecasting and Marketing for the period covering 2005-2014, focuses on the problems of migration and "brain drain" from Russia. The process, which is causing considerable damage to the Russian economy, is exemplified in the form of external emigration by scientists and university professors to the more economically developed countries, and in the form of internal migration, when researchers and intellectuals exchange scientific pursuits for business and commerce. There is also the continued relocation of researchers to different regions of Russia (mainly for family reasons), and (to a lesser extent) emigration to countries of the former Soviet Union, predominantly for ethnic reunion. The most aggravating trend is the growth of emigration attractiveness among Russian students and university graduates. Among those leaving to study abroad, the majority are not going to return to Russia. The authors identify the main causes of these phenomena to be as follows: low salaries for young researchers, accommodation problems, low chances of buying a house or a flat, poor facilities and a lack of modern equipment and a suitable scientific environment, lack of perspectives and the predictability of an academic career, low social prestige of the profession of a researcher and the lack of effective state measures aimed at improving the situation in Russian science fields and facilities. The authors view the following as urgent: creating better working conditions for Russian researchers, academic production ramp-up demanded by domestic producers, establishment of non-state funds to support science with the profit received by economic monopolies.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s4p39