How to Build a Returnee Entrepreneurship Technology Capacity in Developing Countries Using A Learning Economy Approach? Replicating the Chinese Experience in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose: In the current globalised economy, the brain-drain phenomenon is increasingly perceived as brain circulation. Returnee Entrepreneurs (REs) are vital players in this shift. REs are defined as people who return to their country of origin and start new businesses after settling overseas for some time as workers, students, or trainees. While REs have proven effective in assuming key roles in technology transfer and sustainable in some developing economies in the last two decades or so. This has been widely seen in China and some other Eastern countries, but is yet to find its way to other countries, particularly those enjoying global diaspora. In Malaysia -focused in this study-, despite the institutional efforts meant to attract both national and foreign talents, little research, if any, has dealt with issues related to returnee entrepreneurs in general and those in the technology sectors in specific.   Theoretical framework: The study builds on the learning economy theory and proposes a relevant approach that is likely to boost the development of technology returnee entrepreneurship in the country.   Method: Using a narrative review, the paper presents the Chinese model of developing returnee entrepreneurship and shows how its well-adjusted replication could benefit Malaysia as well as other developing countries to initiate, implement, and monitor an impactful returnee entrepreneurship in the technology sector.   Result and conclusion: Malaysia’s strategies designed to attract technology returnee entrepreneurs must consider three principal components: infrastructure, training, and support, with primary emphasis on the establishment of advanced science and technology parks with university-industry linkages, university-overseas-student ties, conducive institutional framework, financial support, and updated understanding of return motives and conditions.