Why do firms recruit internationally? | Results from the IZA International Employer Survey 2000

The paper studies the demand for foreign university graduates at the firm level. Using a unique dataset on recruitement policies of larger firms in four European countries, the determinants of demand for internationally mobile highly skilled employees are established. I investigate the number, origin, skills, and functions of foreign graduates, as well as the experiences of firms recruiting internationally. A number of hypotheses regarding the demand for international workers are formulated and assessed. Among the motives for recruiting foreign highly-skilled employees, their special and complementary skills, most importantly international competence, rank prominentl