How to Attract Highly Skilled Migrants into The Russian Regions

In this work, we examine the factors and patterns of attracting highly skilled migrants by the Russian regions. Attracting such specialists is particularly relevant for large developing countries with territories actively losing qualified personnel, and, accordingly, opportunities for long-term development. The results of an econometric study show that there are a number of objective factors that are poorly modifiable but have a significant positive effect on staff recruitment: the demographic potential of neighbouring regions, the size of accessible markets, and the natural comfort of living. Adverse socio-economic conditions in the region, such as high unemployment, negatively affect the possibility of emigration. However, there are factors that the regional authorities and the federal government are able to influence in the medium term. One of the most important determinants remains the income of highly qualified specialists and the availability of housing. Highly qualified specialists also strive to move to regions with a high level of education and a good healthcare system. The creation of favourable conditions for entrepreneurship has a positive effect on attracting active migrants, providing opportunities for new firms' establishments. As recommendations for regional policy, in particular, attracting highly qualified specialists to the Russian rare-populated Far East, efforts are needed to develop rental housing and zero-interest mortgages, create high-performance jobs, especially in education, science and medicine, as well as general improvement of institutional conditions for conducting business.