Scientists and Innovation

I think it depends on the level of funding available. European academic salaries are significantly behind US academic salaries. For scientists and engineers there is also the issue of labs and hiring the rest of the teams.

obviously depends on the funds the countries will be willing to spend. Not obvious that it will be enough

Clearly would depend on the volume of the initiative, the 5 year horizon seems short for a measurable impact.

It's a rare opportunity.

I agree, but for a different reason. A better performance of researchers in Europe may follow from more intensive collaboration of EU and US researchers - irrespective of whether there is migration or not. There will be more funds available in Europe, also from US sources.

I agree directionally w/statement but not sure how big the effect will be over 5 yrs. This is a short period for science & scientific discoveries to become innovations. Attracting top talent requires not just funding and visas but also improving European research environments.

It seems to be the ideal time for a coordinated initiative at the European level to design a scheme aimed at selecting promising young scientists and give them funding for moving to Europe . Could be coordinated by ERC (which also includes UK, Switzerland and many others).

Yes, but those are necessary, not sufficient.

historical precedent of emigration of scientists form nazi Germany to the US

Economists' understanding of the innovation process is limited. Successful translation of scientific work into economic impact is a complex process, requiring lots of infrastructure and expertise that is not in place in Europe. It may take a lot longer than 5 years.

Maybe yes, but not all countries will be able attract top talent from the US.