Nearly six in ten Greeks who live and work abroad wish to return to Greece, according to a survey presented on Monday by the National Documentation Centre, one of Greece’s biggest institutions that collects and preserves scientific and cultural content and data in digital form.

Concerning the reasoning that would make these ex-pats return, the Centre’s report says 70% mention the quality of life in Greece and 42% their desire to be close to their families.

However, what would propel these people’s process of repatriation would be a wage increase, say 44% of them and finding jobs in their specialization, say 36% of respondents.

Regarding the intent to return to Greece, a very high percentage (86%) is interested in initiatives related to the transfer and objective continuation of good practices, knowledge and technology in Greece.

In addition, 84% are interested in collaborating with Greek universities and research centers, 80% are interested in collaborating in research & development activities, 75% see access to mobility programs for scientists favorably, 71% would pursue work in Greek companies, official bodies and organizations, while 70% say are interested in a professional cooperation with Greek companies for the creation of specific products.

From a total of 2,697 scholarship fellows, one in five (20%) returned from abroad, where they lived in the last five years for work and study.

The data is the product of preliminary surveys to record the needs, skills and intentions of Greeks who live and work abroad.
The research was conducted within the framework of the initiative “Bridges of Knowledge and Cooperation”, the aim of which is the networking of Greek scientists and professionals world-wide and their gradual re-affiliation to the needs of the Greek economy.