Globalization implies increased information sharing, capital investment and communication among the countries of the world. But when it comes to science, globalization’s reach has been less than global.

For many developing countries—from Nigeria to Mexico, and Indonesia to Chile—globalization is less obvious. One potentially disappointing, even damaging, trend in these nations is an increased prevalence of private universities — schools that are often unaccredited and that tend to favour more profitable business-administration classes over a basic-science curriculum. This was the thesis of Wayne Patterson, a presenter at the recent American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting and a programme manager for developing countries at the US National Science Foundation. Patterson canvassed representatives from 19 developing countries and found that most shared his concerns, citing a lack of money, a shift in students’ careers away from science, and a continued loss of scientific talent to regions such as Europe and the United States.

Disturbing trend or innocuous case of supply and demand? Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts or personal experiences.

(adapted from this Naturejobs Prospects column)