Spatial patterns of PhDs’ internal migration in France, 1970-2000

This paper provides empirical insights about interregional flows of PhDs in France over the period 1970-2000. We enhance the existing studies by focusing on the patterns and determinants of internal migration, thanks to management of a rich database. First, we highlight the relatively low mobility of PhDs: less than 36% of them supervise their first PhD in a different region than the one in which they defended their own. Focusing on the structural determinants of these interregional flows, we have then tested a gravity model that demonstrates the significant impact of the scientific size of regions and spatial proximity on the PhDs’ mobility.JEL Codes: J61, O390, I23