The Migration Policy Institute has produced a most impressive series of works on diaspora engagement, in association with US Aid. The series examines the role of diasporas in development policy, and cover a wide range of topics. The ones on Diaspora philanthropy and heritage tourism seem particularly relevant to Ireland.
The series so far:
- Diaspora Philanthropy: Private Giving and Public Policy (by Kathleen Newland, Aaron Terrazas, and Roberto Munster)
- Heritage Tourism and Nostalgia Trade: A Diaspora Niche in the Development Landscape (By Kathleen Newland and Carylanna Taylor)
- Connected through Service: Diaspora Volunteers and Global Development (By Aaron Terrazas)
- Diaspora Investment in Developing and Emerging Country Capital Markets: Patterns and Prospects (By Aaron Terrazas)
And they’ve even produced a video podcast associated with the series (which I’m having trouble viewing, but you may have more luck.)
These reports will certainly resonate with Irish policy-makers; it’s exciting how the growing interest in diaspora engagement strategies around the world enables us to set Irish efforts in international context.
See more at the Migration Policy Institute’s page on Migrants, Migration and Development.