It is not surprising that Saudi Arabia, traditionally not known as a scientific powerhouse, has recently approved the granting of citizenship to distinguished talents. For further details, please refer to the article linked above. What is surprising is that the South Korean government, recognized as a leader in science and technology, has decided to expand the scope of visas to attract the best global talent in these fields https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20240705071640527
It is important to note that in March this year, Clarivate Analytics revealed the Top 100 Global Innovators of 2024. On page 19, a particularly compelling graphic projects the most innovative countries for 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, with South Korea expected to appear at the top in all these years. If the country poised to occupy the top spot in the coming years is so focused on the competition for talent, then other nations, particularly European countries identified in the report as being on a downward trajectory, should be even more concerned.
Indeed, there is at least one country that not only fails to implement policies designed to attract and retain talented individuals but, conversely, has taken significant and deliberate steps to actively discourage and repel them. This country has fostered an environment hostile to talent, driving away skilled professionals and innovative thinkers rather than attracting them.
PS – In light of the aforementioned context, it is pertinent to revisit the earlier post dated May 14, 2023, entitled “Game changers in science and technology: The next 10 years, 2053 and the limits of knowledge, what we will never know”
Pacheco-Torgal 