Lois Labrianidis, an economic geographer who researches migration at the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, told CNBC that off the estimated 160,000 to 180,000 university graduates who have emigrated in the past few years about half have doctorate degree. He also claims that 46% of Greeks plan moving abroad.
According to Labrianidis “the brain drain has huge implications for Greece”, who explains that young scientists are emigrating because “the economy keeps sinking and there is no one left to create high-value-added products or services”, thus creating a vicious cycle.
The managing director of Endeavor Greece Haris Makryniotis underlined that the uncertainty in Greece has gotten worse since the recent elections, which further pushes people from all walks of life to emigrate. The recent loan agreement extension has also increased uncertainty, as everyone waits to see what will happen in four months.