Avenues for professional diaspora engagement in internationalizing knowledge, skills and technology transfer in Ethiopia

This study investigates avenues for engaging professional diaspora in internationalizing knowledge, skills, and technology (KST) circulation in Ethiopia, focusing on institutional needs, diaspora potentials, and policy frameworks. A cross-sectional qualitative design was employed, to draw data from ministries, universities, labor and skills offices, teaching hospitals and professional diaspora respondents. Data collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, online surveys, and document reviews were analyzed following thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Ethiopian institutions highly value diaspora's potential for KST internationalization, aiming to meet global standards. Key areas needing diaspora involvement include standardizing institutional inputs, processes, and outputs to boost international competitiveness. However, challenges persist, such as the lack of systematic mapping of diaspora expertise, insufficient documentation of institutional KST needs, and absence of a national framework for engagement. The study concludes that a robust, national strategy for professional diaspora engagement, integrated into internationalization policies, is crucial to bridge these gaps.