Speakers
Description
Migration, as a search for the better, has to be considered as an important element of human survival process. More than ever, in an age of planetary crisis migration gained multiple meanings and importance. Resource depletion, wars and disasters, social and economic injustices, problems of security and quality of life can be mentioned as some of the major research areas.
As a reflection of several factors related to planetary crisis, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the international mobility of highly skilled individuals from Turkiye to European countries, particularly the Netherlands. Although it is hard to mention a definite number related to this migration process, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the Turkish-Dutch community has increased to more than 170 thousand people between 1996 and 2022 and researches indicate that this increase is boosted with the recent migration process of creative individuals and their families. There exist very few researches conducted on this subject but it is generally assumed that political reasons, social and economic expectations together with individual and family preferences play crucial roles in this migration process.
This study has been conducted to consolidate some assumptions mentioned above, but more importantly, to reveal and discuss the “urban factor” shaping the locational preferences of highly skilled individuals that has decided to move from Turkiye to the Netherlands. Using a qualitative research methodology, the study analyses the mobility motivations and locational preferences of highly skilled Turkish migrants through a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured online surveys. By utilising social media and email groups of Turkish creatives living in different parts of the Netherlands, we have obtained 198 number of completed forms. Answers to 7 number of open ended and 53 number of Likert Scale questions have been analysed on the basis of two factors (non-spatial and spatial). Although non-spatial factors such as economic opportunities, political, social reasons play a crucial role in mobility decisions, the research focuses on the impact of spatial factors, including public facilities, infrastructure, transportation, spatial quality and cost of living. By contributing to ongoing debates on talent migration and urban competitiveness, this research aims to offer new insights into how cities can attract and retain highly skilled human capital and discuss what kind of new planning mechanisms have to be created for attracting, integrating and harmonising migrated populations.
Findings indicate that spatial factors play a decisive role in the mobility patterns of highly skilled individuals. According to participants’ responses, the primary factor influencing mobility decisions (much more significantly than economic, social, and personal reasons) is living conditions such as accessible transportation options, diversity in urban functions, spatial quality, variety of public facilities. Following living conditions, non-spatial factors (like economic, social, political and personal reasons) also attracts attention. Additionally, spatial factors were found to have almost the same level of influence on mobility decisions as non-spatial factors. Spatial factors were found to be nearly as important as economic, social, and personal reasons in return mobility decisions. This study highlights the need for cities to enhance their attractiveness through a holistic approach to urban design and policy-making. Prioritizing spatial policies that improve quality of life is essential for creating competitive, inclusive, and livable cities.
We believe that our research will enrich the discussions on planetary crisis and transformative potential of planning by bringing a very up-to-date discussion on the movement of creative class from Türkiye to the Netherlands. Discussion reflecting the spatial and non-spatial factors related to urban life may suit well in the Track 7: Inclusion.
| Keywords | High-Skilled Migration, Spatial Determinants, Urban Competitiveness, Locational Preferences, Talent Attraction |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
