In a rapidly globalising world, the transfer of knowledge across borders has become vital for innovation and development. Recent research conducted by NUSC colleague Dr. Mingchu Wang, along with co-authors from the University of Leeds and Brunel University London, has been published in the Journal of International Management. This study explores the unique role of African returnees in international knowledge transfer, particularly within the Global South. Using a social capital framework, this study sheds light on the conditions that enable or hinder these processes and their implications for economic and social growth.
Drawing on qualitative interviews with Ghanaian returnees who worked or studied in China, the research identifies three critical dimensions of social structure – market relations, hierarchical relations, and social relations. These dimensions shape the opportunities, motivations, and abilities of returnees to transfer knowledge effectively. The study highlights how returnees leverage their embeddedness in both home and host country contexts, making them crucial agents in bridging knowledge gaps between developing nations.
A key contribution of the research is an enhanced social capital model adapted to the Global South. It reveals that knowledge transfer is influenced by factors such as language proficiency, cultural adaptability, and institutional support. For example, returnees often face challenges in aligning their acquired expertise with the local context, necessitating a nuanced approach to recontextualising knowledge.
The study also underscores the importance of bilateral relationships between nations, as seen in the Ghana-China partnership. These relationships create pathways for skills development, mentorship, and professional growth. Returnees not only bring technical know-how but also foster cross-cultural understanding, enhancing organisational capabilities and contributing to broader developmental goals.
This work opens avenues for policymakers and practitioners to better integrate diaspora contributions into national strategies. By addressing structural barriers and fostering environments that maximise the potential of returnees, developing nations can unlock the full value of their diaspora for sustainable development.
Wang, M., Wei, Y., Gideon Azumah & Wang, C.L. (2024). African returnees in international knowledge transfer: A social capital perspective. Journal of International Management, 30(1), pp.101118. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2023.101118.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1075425323001151