Back on track: Factors influencing Chinese returnee scholar performance in the reintegration process

Using a unique sample of 214 returnee scholars retrieved from the Changjiang Scholars Program in the fields of natural and life sciences, this study examines the impact of returnees' transnational capital on their performance in the reintegration process. We find that established returnee scholars are more likely to have gap periods, and they have a slower recovery from reduction in research impact during the post-return period than other returnees. We also find that scholars with higher overseas research impact have higher risks of reduced research impact in the initial years upon return, and slower recovery. The duration of overseas experience has mixed effects on returnee scholars' post-return performance. Our findings have implications for Chinese universities in terms of formulating policies regarding returnee talent recruitment and evaluation.