Serbian Network of Knowledge

Context

Statistical Information In the past 10 years, the number of highly educated people leaving Serbia has been approximately 150,000, amongst whom approximately 5,000 were researchers and scientists, or candidates for that calling (based on figures from OECD).

Brain-drain Young people leave the Republic of Serbia not only in search for better living conditions, but also for the continuation of their education. Republic of Serbia’s graduate students are, quite frequently, offered very tempting foreign scholarships.

Ties to the Motherland A large number citizens of the Republic of Serbia, and people of Serbian descent, that have achieved high levels of academic excellence, and who have ties with prestigious universities from around the world, but who do not plan on returning to the Republic of Serbia, can and want to give their contribution to the betterment of their motherland.

Virtual-return The ability to effectively communicate, on a daily basis, without the need to be physically present. Allowed through the advancement of telecommunication and other technologies.

Labor as a precious commodity It is in the national interest of every state to better the quality of human resource management as the resource of labor is one of the most important treasures of society, and the basis of survival and modernization of contemporary business. The presence of experts, academics, and skilled people – who represent an elite class within society – is more than necessary within governmental, scientific and business institutions within the Republic of Serbia.

Neighboring Examples Experience of neighboring states shows that in the cases where the migration of experts and researchers was minimal, that is, experts and researchers were enticed to stay, the process of transition was most successful (Example: Slovenia). On the other hand, states that suffered the greatest brain-drain (Examples: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) had considerable problems not only in their implementation of transitional- business reforms, but in their consolidation of democracy within their borders as well.

Serbia’s Gain The possible gains that the Republic of Serbia can obtain from its experts from around the world are priceless: From the access to their knowledge and experiences, in the case of their permanent return, to their continuing contributions towards development through modern technologies (distance lecturing, seminars, etc.). The presence of young people and the educated elite is of great use for the successful implementation of transitional reforms on both the societal and governmental levels.

Strategic and Legal Background

Ministry of Diaspora The Ministry of Diaspora has been given the task, as prescribed by the laws governing the ministries of the Republic of Serbia, of completing and fulfilling government policy pertaining to the creation of the means for the reintegration of persons who have emigrated from the Republic of Serbia, those persons of Serbian descent living abroad, citizens of the Republic of Serbia living abroad. This process would assume full reintegration of said persons in the ways of life in all aspects: political, economic and cultural.

Serbia’s Politics The political stance of the government of the Republic of Serbia towards its diaspora is contained in the Exposé of the Prime Minister as prescribed during the formation of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on May 15th, In the succeeding period this stance will be strengthened in regards to Serbia’s relationship with that segment of the diaspora that includes the younger educated generation, successful professionals within their respective fields, scientists, experts, and academic workers with the goal to engage themselves towards the development of economic, scientific, cultural, and integrational potentials of their motherland.

Concrete Plans Concrete plans that the government intends to implement will be focused on the persons that were born or have lived abroad - for an extended period of time – and who intend on continuing to live abroad, including members of second and third generations of Serb migrants, with an emphasis placed on the effects towards the preservation of the national and cultural identity and the building of strong ties both between themselves and towards Serbia.

Education The national strategy of the Republic of Serbia towards the European Union in the field of education has created a unique meaning for the modernization of the educational system within the republic. This would encompass the republic’s position towards technological advancement, socio-economic and individual development, and thus create the opportunity for continued studies, fulfillment of human potential, and successful integration of the Republic of Serbia into the European cultural and economic space. The educational system must be efficient and economical; it must contain elements of openness, and be available to the public.

Bologna Accords With the signing of the Bologna Accords our country has joined a group of European states that have agreed to the coordination of their political stances in the field of higher education. Through this, by 2010, the European zone of higher education would be established in regards to the preservation of cultural, linguistic, and national specificities of each state.

Project Goals

General Goals Increase in the quality of education and qualifying, in accordance to the requests of society that have been developed on the basis of knowledge and the modernization of the continuing process of learning. Development and enrichment of the system of education and qualifying in Serbia, especially within the fields of information, medicine, and modern technologies. Opening of systems of education towards the world in light of the challenges that exist in the process of European integration and globalization.

Special Goals Creation of the means for the holding of thematic lectures, seminars, and training – “long-distance” – or the ability for the invitation of guest lecturers at universities and other scientific-research institutions across Serbia. Strengthening of scientific-research institutions and universities through the holding of thematic lectures, seminars, and training.

Expected Results

Creation of a system for the exchange of information in regards to domestic science- research institutions and universities and the ability of Serbs, or persons of Serbian descent that have obtained higher education abroad, to lecture, hold seminars, and training sessions within Serbia’s scientific-research institutions. Building of a program of lecturing, holding seminars and training sessions within Serbia’s scientific-research institutions and universities – at “long-distance” or guest speakers. Secured financial support for the holding of 30 thematic lectures, seminars, and trainings, as well as a “pilot” project.

Activity Planning

Creation of information and telecommunication means for the functioning of the project. Promotion through the media for the project “Serbian Network of Knowledge” within the Republic of Serbia and its Serbian diaspora. Identification of interested institutions and individuals. Criteria for what types and levels of education are necessary for the holding of said lectures, seminars, and training in the Republic of Serbia’s scientific-research institutions and universities.

Organization of 30 lectures, seminars, and training sessions in the Republic of Serbia’s scientific-research institutions and universities. Financing of the 30 lectures, seminars, and training sessions in the Republic of Serbia’s scientific-research institutions and universities by the government of the Republic of Serbia, with the assistance of the Ministry for Diaspora and other interested institutions.

Project Worth: €912,000.00