Brain drain effect in Spain 23 de nov. de 2011

The Spanish government investments in third level education from the year 2000 have increased steadily reaching in 2009 a 1,14% of the GDP, below the average investment of the European Union, that reached a 1,22% of the GDP. On the other hand public investment in scholarships and financial aid for third level education reached in 2008 a 0,11%, less than half the average investment of OECD member countries (0,28%). After 2008, with the current financial crisis, the investment in financial aid hasn´t increased at the same rate as before the recession. Despite that, between 2005 and 2011 the number of beneficiaries of financial aid in Spain increased by 20%. According to this figures the investment of Spanish government in third level education is lower than the average in EU27 and the investment in financial aid for students is less than half the average investment in the OECD. The main goal of these beneficiaries and of graduates in general is to achieve a good education that allows them to develop a professional career while contributing to their country growth. But are Spanish graduates meeting these goals? And How the economic recession is affecting employability? According to Eurostat, the unemployment rate in 2009 for Young graduates with third level studies in Spain reached a 11,7% while the average in Europe is 5%. The high unemployment rate for graduates explain the current “brain drain” in Spain of Young and talented professionals to other countries with more opportunities to work in their fields. The current investment of the Spanish government in R&D doesn´t help the development of these professionals, Spain invested in 2009 a 1,39% of the GDP in R&D while the average investment in the EU is 2% of the GDP. Unfortunately some of the graduates that received financial support to study in Spain won´t be able to pay back the country all the investment but will contribute to the economic development of some other country with more employability. In Spain the current economic situation is getting worse every month while unemployment rate has reached a 25%. Meanwhile many young educated professionals are looking for their future career somewhere else. How should the Spanish government tackle these issues? Why isn´t there opportunities for educated professionals after all the money invested in their education? Are the education and R&D cuts helping to improve the current situation? And even, would it be worth for the government to invest in education if all the educated professionals have to emigrate for the lack of opportunities?