The propensity to return: Theory and evidence for the Italian brain drain

► These factors are related to the structural form of the academic labor market in Italy. ► The wages and job opportunities seem not to be affected by the time spent or the human capital improvements gained abroad. ► An important characteristic of the Italian brain drain is that it cannot be considered a “brain exchange”. ► Many Italian workers leave the country, but very few qualified individuals from other countries choose Italy as a destination.