Paper short abstract:

Focussing on skilled migration dynamics the link between mobility and innovation shall be highlightened. Remigration experiences to Croatia since post-socialist transition and patterns of circular migration shall give specific insights into such dynamics.

Paper long abstract:

The paper takes a look into re(-)migration dynamics to Croatia after independence and to experiences of remigrants in the post-socialist transformation context. It draws a link to innovation policies, which connect skilled mobility particularly with measures and incentives for enhancing the return of skilled diaspora. Insights from other historical remigration cases of knowledge elites after political system changes, as well as diaspora policies focussing on skilled mobility in the wider post-socialist regional space will be referred to in order to understand the potentials as well as shortcomings of diaspora outreach for return and "homeland" development. To what extent skilled migrants with diaspora backgrounds may act as change agents shall be critically discussed on the basis of experiential accounts. The paper thus seeks to contribute to an understanding of brain drain / gain and circular migration dynamics and patterns a transformation society like the Croatian is challenged by in the historical moment EU accession.