Exploring Diaspora Strategies

A diaspora strategy is an explicit policy initiative or series of policy initiatives enacted by a state, or its peoples, aimed at developing relationships with their diaspora and affinity diaspora populations. It is best thought of as an overarching framework for providing a level of coherence to the range of diaspora policies devised and implemented by a variety of agencies.

We have undertaken a series of research projects for different states - Ireland, Scotland, Armenia and Canada - with respect to their evolving diaspora strategies, and we are keen to work with other countries.
Please contact us: rob.kitchin@nuim.ie

This research has led to a number of reports:

Boyle, M. and Kitchin, R. (2011) A diaspora strategy for Canada? Enriching debate through heightening awareness of international practice. Asia Pacific Foundation.

Kitchin, R. and Boyle, M (2011) Diaspora Strategies in Transition States: Prospects and Opportunities for Armenia. February 2011.

Ancien, D., Boyle, M. and Kitchin, R. (2009) The Scottish Diaspora and Diaspora Strategy: Insights and Lessons from Ireland. Scottish Government.

Ancien, D., Boyle, M. and Kitchin, R. (2009) Exploring Diaspora Strategies: An International Comparison. June 2009.

Ancien, D., Boyle, M. and Kitchin, R. (2009) Exploring Diaspora Strategies: Lessons for Ireland. June 2009.

Boyle, M., Kitchin, R. and Ancien, D. (2009) The NIRSA Diaspora strategy wheel and ten principles of good practice. June 2009.

Boyle, M. and Kitchin, R. (2008) Towards an Irish Diaspora Strategy: A Position Paper. NIRSA Working Paper 37. May 2008.

Exploring Diaspora Strategies Workshop

Jan 26th-28th 2009, NUI Maynooth

The Exploring Diaspora Strategies workshop brought together key policy makers and implementers from Ireland, Australia, Chile, India, Jamaica, Lithuania, New Zealand and Scotland, plus the World Bank, to share their experiences and to consider what constitutes best practice with respect to the development and rollout of diaspora strategies. In particular it focused on the different approaches countries have taken to issues such as oversees supports, philanthropy, returnee policy, and business networks vis-a-vis their diaspora populations.

The workshop was a highly successful event allowing each country to share their experiences and learn from each other. It is anticipated that it will be the first in a series of similar events.

Papers presented at the workshop included:

Mark Boyle/Rob Kitchin, NUI Maynooth: "Fostering Dialogue Between Diaspora Strategies"

Yevgeny Kuznetsov, World Bank: "How Can Talent Abroad Help Build Institutions at Home Lessons from Various Generations of Diaspora Initiatives"

Alan Gamlen, Oxford University: "Diaspora Engagement: what, how, why?"

Ray Bassett, Irish Abroad Unit: "Irish Abroad Unit"

Kingsley Aikens, Ireland Funds: "The Global Irish making a Difference Together"

Stephen Hughes, Enterprise Ireland: "Enterprise Ireland and Networks"

Aine O'Neill, NUI Maynooth: "Diaspora Knowledge Networks"

Vida Bagdonaviciene, Lithuania: "Lithuanian Diaspora Policy Overview"

Lincoln Downer, Jamaica: Jamaican Diaspora Policy

Lev Freinkman, World Bank: "Role of the Diasporas in Transition Economies: Lessons from Armenia"

Tim Oberg, Advance, Australia: "Advance Australia"

Molly Pollack, ChileGlobal; Marcelo Vesquez, Fundacion Chile, Chile: "Talent Network for Innovation"

Gurucharan Gollerkeri, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, India: "Engaging the Diaspora for Development"

Anna Groot, KEA, New Zealand: "New Zealand Global Talent Community"

Irene Johnstone, GlobalScot, Scotland: "GlobalScot: Advice, Access, Aspiration"


Newspaper coverage of the event can be found at:

New strategy can enrich relations with diaspora. Irish Times, 27th Jan, 2009

Diaspora could be answer to economic crisis. Irish Post. 11th Feb 2009


Contact: rob.kitchin@nuim.ie

Last updated: June 2011