Talents And Regional Innovation Outputs: Understanding the Role of Migrant Inventors in Regional Diversification and Technological Breakthroughs

Abstract

This dissertation explores how migrant inventors contribute to regional innovation, with a particular focus on green technologies. It provides empirical evidence that migration enhances patenting activity, supports breakthrough inventions, and enables regions to diversify into new technological fields. The research begins with a historical case study of the United States, analysing the effects of early 20th-century immigration restrictions on innovation. The findings show that policies like the Emergency Quota Act (1921) and the Johnson-Reed Act (1924) led to lasting declines in both the quantity and quality of patenting, particularly in counties previously reliant on migrant inventors. These results illustrate the long-term negative consequences of limiting international knowledge flows. The focus then shifts to contemporary Europe, where the study investigates how migrant inventors influence regional entry into green technology sectors. It finds that their presence significantly increases the likelihood of diversification into new green technologies, especially in regions characterised by strong social capital and inclusive attitudes toward diversity. Further, the thesis examines how cultural diversity among inventors contributes to the emergence of green breakthrough innovations. It shows that diverse inventor teams are more likely to produce radical technological advances, particularly in regions with strong local capabilities. The interplay between diversity and absorptive capacity emerges as a key driver of high-impact, sustainable innovation. Overall, this research highlights the role of migrant inventors in shaping the technological trajectory of regions and supports policies that foster inclusive, knowledge-rich environments to drive green and transformative innovation.