Brain Drain Among Tunisian Engineers: A Threat to Economic Stability
A recent study by the Tunisian Institute of Strategic Studies (ITES), titled "Brain Drain Among Tunisian Engineers: Causes, Consequences, and Economic Policy Proposals," sounds the alarm on the massive migration of Tunisian engineers. This phenomenon, which has accelerated over the past few decades, seriously threatens the country's economic stability and development.
The Consequences of Brain Drain
According to the ITES, the exodus of engineers has severe consequences for various aspects of Tunisian society. On the one hand, it compromises the country's stability by reducing its capacity for sustainable economic and social development. On the other hand, it diminishes the economic growth rate, depriving Tunisia of essential skills.
The digital, energy, and environmental transitions are also at risk. Engineers, key players in these sectors, are leaving the country en masse, complicating the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions.
An Alarming Trend
The study reveals that this massive migration has direct consequences on education and research in Tunisia. The departure of engineers creates difficulties in filling teaching and research positions, hindering research initiatives. This situation increases the country's technological dependence, making Tunisia less competitive internationally.
Alarming Figures
The numbers presented by the ITES are alarming. The number of emigrating engineers rose from 972 in 2000 to 1,936 in 2010, reaching approximately 3,000 per year after 2014. This upward trend highlights the urgency of taking measures to address this phenomenon.
Proposed Solutions
To remedy this situation, the ITES proposes several concrete solutions:
- Improving working conditions: making posts more attractive by improving working conditions.
- Facilitating remote work: simplifying procedures to allow engineers to work remotely while remaining in Tunisia.
- Salary revision: adjusting salaries to align with those offered abroad.
- Valuing vocational training: promoting vocational training paths to meet market needs.
- Adapting the education system: aligning the education system with the requirements of the job market.
- Infrastructure reinforcement: installing high-speed internet networks in research institutions.
- Supporting scientific research: supporting long-term scientific research to encourage local innovation.
These solutions aim to address the root causes of brain drain and create an environment that encourages Tunisian engineers to stay and contribute to the country's development.
