The Brain Drain of Engineers in Tunisia: A Threat to Economic and Social Development
The Tunisian Institute of Strategic Studies (ITES) has once again addressed the issue of brain drain, this time focusing on engineers. A study titled "Brain Drain among Engineers in Tunisia: Causes, Consequences, and Economic Policy Proposals" highlights the alarming rate of skilled engineers leaving the country.
A Structural Problem Threatening Development
The brain drain has become a structural problem that seriously threatens Tunisia's economic and social development, as well as its transition to higher levels of development. This phenomenon affects key sectors, including digital technology, healthcare, industry, and advanced technological services.
A Significant Loss of Human Capital
Tunisia has lost nearly 39,000 engineers, representing a significant loss of its highly qualified human capital. To put this into perspective, the Order of Engineers estimates that there are approximately 90,000 Tunisian engineers in total.
Factors Contributing to Brain Drain
Several factors have contributed to this phenomenon, including:
- Limited career opportunities in the local market
- Uncompetitive salaries and benefits
- Unattractive working conditions
- Underinvestment in research and education
- Lack of recognition and limited post-graduation prospects
- Engineers, like other professionals, seek a better quality of life and a conducive environment for personal development, away from social pressures in Tunisia.
Regional Inequalities
Regional inequalities in Tunisia are another essential factor influencing the decision to migrate. Disparities in access to resources and quality technical training are felt in different regions of the country, prompting engineers to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Proposed Solutions
To retain and attract talent in Tunisia, the ITES proposes a set of integrated measures that encompass various aspects of the technological ecosystem. Ten key points have been analyzed:
- Optimizing working conditions for engineers
- Enhancing the value of professional careers and training
- Adapting the education system
- Strengthening political and economic stability
- Improving infrastructure
- Dynamizing the entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Supporting financing for Research and Development
- Promoting fiscal policies and incentives
- Modernizing management practices
- Developing partnerships and collaborations
A Turning Point for Tunisia
The ITES concludes that Tunisia is at a turning point. The brain drain must be contained not only to preserve the country's economic and social potential but also to ensure the success of its energy, ecological, and digital transitions, which are essential for its future.