Causes of the “brain drain” Problem in Selected Western Balkan Countries

Abstract

This paper deals with the identification of the factors that influence the emigration of young and highly educated people from Western Balkan countries. Indicators of the quality of economic, political, and educational systems in Western Balkan countries and target countries were used for this purpose. A comparison of Western Balkan countries with EU countries was provided via a cluster analysis. Cross-sectional and panel data regression point to important indicators affecting emigration. An important finding was that for highly educated people not only economic indicators but also political environment and educational system quality are significant factors, which influence emigration.