“The role of Diaspora as international agents for development”, Adil A. Dafa’alla and Elmouiz S. Hussein
Adil A. Dafa’alla* and Elmouiz S. Hussein
Airbus, UK
Purpose: To conceptually model the economic contribution of the Diaspora as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to promote business, investment and industry, both in their host countries and countries of origin. As such, the model promotes Diaspora as International Agents for Development.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative research methodology is used in order to understand the huge potential that Diaspora may have in benefiting the economic growth in their host countries, affecting economic and industrial development in their countries of origin as well as boosting their own personal investment portfolio
through utilising the expertise they gained and links they developed. This could conceptually be built as a triangular model of PPP.
Findings: The Diaspora population is rising steadily: over 244 million people live outside their country of birth. Their host countries benefit from their skills and innovation. However, although the role played by Diaspora in the development, poverty reduction and reconstruction of their countries of origin is significant, this role is not fully recognised by their host countries or countries of origin. There is a powerful triangle of Diaspora, host countries and countries of origin that can potentially be used to promote business, investment and industry, both in the countries of origin and destination. This presents the Diaspora, in partnership with their countries of origin and residence, as a potential tool for achieving sustainable development and fighting poverty. It is, therefore, a step towards achieving the UN sustainable development goals for 2030.
Originality/Value: The role of Diaspora in “fire-fighting” economic crises in their countries of origin is well covered in the literature. However, very little has been highlighted about the benefits they bring to their host countries, both in economic terms and as a source of innovation. This paper aims to widen the scope to look at
the Diaspora as International Agents for Sustainable Development, and model their contribution as PPPs between the Diaspora, host countries and countries of origin.
Keywords: Diaspora; Host; Homeland; Origin; Partnership; Agent; Sustainable development; Industry; Business; Investment; Model
Reference to this paper should be made as follows: A.A. Dafa’alla and E.S. Hussein, (2017) ‘The Role of Diaspora as International Agents for Development’, Int. J. of Innovation and Knowledge Management in the Middle East and North Africa, Vol.6, No.2, pp. 89—99.
