Ukraine’s policy on brain drain in the wartime and post-war periods

Purpose. To analyse Ukraine’s policy on brain drain and to find ways to improve it, taking into account foreign experience and possible scenarios of martial law development. Methodology. General scientific and special research methods were used in the study: the method of categorical analysis, the systemic method, the institutional method, the comparative analysis, the cross-country analysis, the descriptive analysis the generalisation method. Findings. The study has drawn the attention of the scientific community and public administration practitioners to the problem of the lack of systematic brain drain activities in Ukraine. Successful policies, measures and decisions that should be adopted are highlighted, and the main mistakes made in the experience of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Israel are traced. As a result, the study also outlines the main principles of a balanced long-term policy to encourage the return of personnel to Ukraine using holistic and systemic approaches. Originality. The scientific and practical prerequisites and the current state of the problem of brain drain in Ukraine are revealed. The policy of stimulating the return of personnel is theoretically grounded and confirmed by the practice of individual countries, and should be based on fundamental steps: ensuring systematic, timely and comprehensive state data collection on brain drain, creating a target authority that will exclusively implement policies to promote brain circulation and brain gain. Practical value. The implementation of the developed recommendations in several key areas, namely, the return of Ukrainian personnel, including refugees, and their reintegration; promotion of brain gain, including encouraging international specialists to immigrate to Ukraine; prevention of brain drain, primarily creating opportunities for the development of younger generations, jobs; active interaction and involvement of the Ukrainian diaspora; interstate cooperation in the interests of Ukrainian personnel; increasing the possibilities of post-war recovery and further development of Ukraine.