World Cities Summit Issue, Jun 2008

Diversity through Migration
Philippe Legrain

CONCLUSION
The value of diversity comes into its own in societies that are at the forefront of rapid change. When countries are technologically backward, they can make huge leaps forward simply by copying what more advanced economies are doing. They may benefit from being culturally uniform, since this makes it easier for everyone to move forward in unison. Likewise, in periods when economic change is slow, more homogeneous companies and countries may find it easier to organise themselves efficiently than more heterogeneous ones.

But in advanced economies during periods of rapid economic change such as we are experiencing now, diversity is vital because of the creativity that is generated—and the benefits of the creativity that it stimulates are mostly generated in cosmopolitan cities where different people interact everyday. The benefits of migration and diversity are significant. Ultimately, they are key factors of why cities are a catalyst for innovation and are so economically successful. Thus, countries—and cities—that do not attract newcomers increasingly risk falling behind. Their priority should be nurturing diversity, not trying to stifle it.

Philippe Legrain is a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics’ European Institute. His research interests are globalisation, migration and European issues. Previously special adviser to World Trade Organisation’s director-general Mike Moore and trade and economics correspondent for The Economist, Mr Legrain has written for publications, such as the Financial Times, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal Europe and Foreign Policy. His latest book, Immigrants: Your Country Needs Them, was shortlisted for the 2007 Financial Times Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award.

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