Human beings have been moving in search of better conditions and resources for hundreds of thousands of years. But the development of a formal industry dedicated to employer-initiated relocation is a much newer concept. It’s largely credited back to about the middle of the twentieth century, following significant advancements in transportation and infrastructure, and the rapid industrial, economic and geopolitical transformations that paved the way for businesses to scale operations across borders.

To help us better understand where we are now and where we’re likely headed next, this section takes a quick look back at some of the key global events in the economic, technological, regulatory and social domains that have had significant influences on business and workforce mobility.