The Chinese knowledge diaspora: Canadian research universities compared

Abstract

This paper within the Panel The Chinese Knowledge Diaspora - Canada and Australia compared, analyzes the experience of mainland Chinese academics working at two major research universities in Canada. The hypothesis was that major research universities should provide a focus for the research, since it is these institutions that are likely to be most attractive to high calibre researchers from abroad. A further reason for choosing Canada was to test the entrepot hypothesis - that some Chinese researchers may consider using Canada as a staging post towards their ultimate preferred destination of the USA, especially at a major US research university. The paper analyzes the responses of mainland Chinese researchers at the two selected Canadian universities: their reasons for coming to Canada, their perceptions of advantages and disadvantages of working in Canada, as compared with China, perceptions of Chinese research, and researchers, the extent to which they are engaged in the Chinese knowledge system, and their willingness to assist in China's development, and perhaps to return.