Brain gain versus brain drain: the effects of universities’ mobile students on territorial inequalities
研究了意大利大学中流动学生（非本地学生）对地区经济增长的影响，发现北部地区因学生流入受益，而南部地区因学生流出受损，加剧了地区不平等。
This study examines the relationship between university student mobility and local economic dynamics. Universities shape societies and economies as hubs of knowledge creation and innovation. While recent research highlights the significant impact of university students on local development, there is a gap in understanding the distinct effects of mobile versus resident students. Using data from 90 NUTS-3 provinces in Italy (2013–19), we investigate spatial inequalities generated by students’ mobility. Employing a fixed effects growth model, we find that incoming students boost economic growth in the Centre–North regions (brain gain), while southern provinces suffer reduced growth due to the brain drain.