This paper examines the consequences of the emigration of the “crème de la crème” from Uzbekistan. The “brain drain/brain gain” debate is used as analytical framework. The first section of this paper describes the methodology of the study. The second section explains why it is important to examine highly skilled female emigration in Uzbekistan. Drawing on the empirical data collected through a series of in-depth interviews, the paper examines both negative and positive consequences of the emigration of highly skilled professionals. The final section concludes with recommendations on how to turn “brain drain” into “brain gain”.
