Brain Gain: A Conference Missing the Mark
June 22, 2024
The first University of Curaçao recently announced a conference titled "Brain Gain," which naturally piqued my interest. Having spent considerable time exploring and writing about the brain, brainpower, and intellectual capacity (denkcapaciteit) and lamenting the lack of rigorous intellectual debate, I was initially delighted by the prospect. However, upon closer inspection, the event seems to highlight rather than address our cognitive shortcomings.
Despite the promising topic, the invited speakers reveal a troubling disconnect from the subject matter. The panel includes two active politicians serving as ministers, a former prime minister, and a representative of the Kingdom of Curaçaoan descent. While these individuals are undoubtedly accomplished, none of them are experts or researchers specializing in brain drain or brain gain. This raises an immediate question: on what basis will they ground their discussions?
Perhaps they will draw from the recent census data. Yet, for over fifty years, discussions about brain drain in our region have been thwarted by a paucity of data. Relevant data does exist, particularly in the databank of the foundation for finance studies abroad (SSC), and numerous studies have been conducted on the topic. Any serious academic forum should at least consult these studies to inform its discourse.
One such study that comes to mind is "Ayo of Te aworo," commissioned by the Minister of Social Affairs in 2019.[1] This report, along with other research works, such as theses like "Ban kas bèk: Een etnografisch onderzoek naar de ervaringen van hoogopgeleide Curaçaose remigranten," provides valuable insights into the experiences and challenges of highly educated Curaçaoan returnees.[2] These are precisely the kind of resources that should form the foundation of any substantive discussion on brain gain or brain drain.
This situation is reminiscent of a conference held by the Association of Dutch Caribbean Economists, where the most relevant researchers on the carrying capacity of Caribbean islands regarding tourism development were conspicuously absent. Such oversights highlight a broader issue: our tendency to overlook the importance of domain-specific expertise in favor of high-profile names.
We have the potential to elevate our discussions and make meaningful progress by leveraging our brainpower effectively. This means inviting the right people to address the issues—those who have dedicated their careers to studying these topics and can provide data-driven insights and solutions.
In conclusion, while the concept of the Brain Gain conference is commendable, its execution underscores a missed opportunity. We must strive to do better by engaging with the right experts to truly harness and enhance our intellectual capacities. Only then can we hope to address the challenges of brain drain and brain gain with the depth and rigor they deserve.
Miguel Goede
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