Developing country governments and international donors are taking notice of diasporas’ potential contributions to economic development. Attention has primarily focused on the impressive totals of economic remittances, whose global estimates now outpace official development assistance: estimated at $70 billion per year in 2004, $125 billion in 2005, and $167 billion in 2006. More systematic research is required on diaspora contributions and strategic policies and programs to support them.
The potential for diaspora knowledge exchange suggests greater opportunities for gain than may be currently recognized and realized.
