Set skilled workers free: the mobility of workers and innovation in Brazil

Abstract

: The mobility of skilled workers is an important way to knowledge transfer in regional economies, with positive effects on interactive learning and innovation. Thus, our goal is to analyze whether the regional mobility of skilled workers impact on innovation at the regional level. We use microdata on employment in Brazil to track the mobility of from skilled workers, focusing on STEM occupations. We apply the knowledge production function approach to assess the impact of mobility on regional innovation. Our results show that the mobility of skilled workers has a positive impact on regional innovation, since the circulation of skilled workers can generate positive externalities due to the presence of new knowledge in a region and by increasing opportunities for interactions.