Geographical and institutional motives for mobility of researchers in science-based post-socialist city

• Published in: Cities Vol. 152; p. 105152
• Main Authors: Konečný, Ondřej, Hromčíková, Lucie, Ševčík, Michal, Sucháček, Jan, Przytuła, Sylwia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Brno; Centres of excellence; Mobility; Motivation; Researchers; Mobility; Researchers; Motivation; Brno; Centres of excellence
• ISSN: 0264-2751; 1873-6084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2024.105152

The aim of this study is to investigate the significance of perceived geographical and organisational mobility determinants among scholars affiliated with research centres in Brno, Czech Republic. Utilizing a quantitative methodology (written questionnaire through an electronic record sheet), the analysis draws upon the input from 128 respondents, predominantly researchers employed at three scientific centres of excellence. The findings indicate that institutional factors—such as the scope and diversity of the research topic, the quality of the research team, technological accessibility, and the level of compensation or research grant allocation—play a pivotal role in influencing mobility decisions. Conversely, researchers assert that contentment with local attributes surpasses satisfaction with institutional factors influencing researchers' mobility. The findings suggest that to influence crucial institutional factors, over which the city has limited control, collaborative efforts of city with scientific institutions are imperative. •Institutional factors are the key for researchers in their decisions about job mobility.•Image of the research institution is much more important mobility factor than the image of the city..•The city must create a strategy distinguishing researchers for permanent incentives and those for shorter mobility stays.•Two thirds of EU and other foreign researchers plan to leave Brno.•Researchers most frequently cited low salary, limited career progression and fixed-term contract as reasons for leaving.