International Talent Mobility under the Global Science and Technology Governance Framework: Challenges and Strategies for China

Under the profound transformation of global science and technology governance, international talent mobility has become a key arena of national competition. This paper builds a dual-drive model based on push‒pull theory and identity theory to explain China’s international talent flow. The model combines external factors such as institutional support and development opportunities with internal motivations such as emotional belonging and value identity, forming a mechanism of both attraction and cohesion. From the dynamic process of “outflow–inflow–circulation,” the study shows that China’s talent policies have evolved from quantity expansion to quality improvement and structural optimization. However, challenges remain, including intensified global competition, the trend of “decoupling,” and an insufficient domestic environment. To address these issues, the paper suggests enhancing institutional support, improving living conditions, and strengthening cultural identity to attract and retain high-level talent. Ultimately, China should move from a “policy-driven” approach to an “emotion-driven” approach in global talent competition.