Talent Migration in Knowledge Economy: The Case of China’s Silicon Valley, Shenzhen

Talent is a key resource in a knowledge economy. It plays a critical role in national economic growth and technological innovation. China’s technological power is rising, and its ambitious push for talent is supported by central and local government. Through the lens of Shenzhen, China’s Silicon Valley, this article examines the Shenzhen Talent Policy and its effectiveness in attracting both domestic talent and overseas returnees. Document analysis is combined with in-depth interviews with returnee entrepreneurs, university professors, and Shenzhen local government officials to examine talent migration and the effectiveness of talent policy. This study findings reveal that the welcoming and tolerant culture of Shenzhen is key to the city’s attractiveness to its existing and potential talent. Entrepreneurial scientists and engineers are likely to return to Shenzhen from abroad for business opportunities in applied innovation and technology commercialization. Academics report an average or dissatisfying attitude towards the scientific environment and professional development. State-led talent policy puts emphasis on technical human capital to meet its urgent developmental needs. The reform of higher education system in Shenzhen is needed to fully realize its technological ambition. In addition, this study shows that younger generation Chinese cares about their personal wellbeing, individual happiness, and career opportunities compared to older generation’s emphasis on economic benefits. This article concludes with policy implications on worldwide talent attraction and talent migration in a new geopolitical era.