Re/Migration as a Resource: Development, Democratisation and Innovation

Migration is widely regarded as a significant driver of economic, political, and cultural transformation. While considerable research has explored the broad impacts of migration, there is a novel area of inquiry that focuses on the specific contributions of migrants to economic development, social innovation, and democratisation processes in their countries of origin. Traditionally, studies have examined migration through interactions between diasporas and their home countries. However, this perspective is increasingly seen as inadequate for capturing the nuances of the contemporary migration landscape. Today’s migratory patterns often involve circular and temporary relocations, with many migrants engaging in what can be termed as 'transient settlement,' where they do not necessarily form part of a traditional diaspora but maintain fluid and ongoing connections with their homeland.

This Research Topic aims to deepen understanding of how migration acts as a resource for development and democratic processes in origin countries. It explores how migrants convert their overseas experiences into 'migration capital' that brings benefits upon their return. This includes enhancing social and political conditions, leading innovations, and contributing to economic growth through diverse forms of engagement with their home countries.

To gather further insights into the dynamic roles of migrants, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Migration and democratisation: How migrants influence political processes in their countries of origin.=
• Migration and innovation: The role of returned migrants in driving new ideas and technologies.
• Migration and Development: Assessing the broader economic impacts of returning migrants.
• Remigration: Patterns and impacts of migrants returning to their home countries.
• Brain circulation: Benefits and challenges of the cyclical movements of skilled professionals.
• Remittances: Economic and social impacts of monetary transfers by migrants to their home countries.

The focus is on a nuanced understanding of migration, beyond traditional diaspora engagements, reflecting contemporary patterns like circular and temporary migration, especially within the context of European mobility and its implications for EU and non-EU countries.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Registered Report
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Migration capital, transnationalism, circular migration, democratization, remittances, brain circulation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.