University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture Mobility of researchers in Croatia WEB-MOB Hvar, 29/9/2006 Neven Duić

Contents On the road to ERA Mobility barriers visas, residence and work permits networking failures financial weaknesses social and health security problems Survey results Interregional mobility Intersectorial mobility Croatia & EU

Typical path of researcher before 1990 –studying 4-5 years undergraduate programme in 6-8 years –military service –two years in industry for technical sciences –assistant at the institution of graduation –studying 1-2 years Master programme plus MSc thesis in 6-8 years while doing teaching, research and projects –further 6-8 years of teaching, research and projects in order to obtain PhD –researcher becomes independent researcher

Research before 1990 –inbreeding – from cradle to grave –only short term mobility allowed – once out forever out –very slow change –after cut-off age of 30 – generally unemployable –research was more necessary nuisance than necessity –the only way to open new areas was to increase number – increasing the curricula – further slowing down the system

Bologna process –open acceptance but hidden resistance to change –ratified Lisbon convention and entered Bologna process –two-cycle degree system –University integration –ECTS implemented de iure

Bologna process –ECTS and student mobility intra-University curricular mobility difficult due to rigid programs – possible but discouraged due to wide in house curricular offer inter-University (national, regional and international) mobility practically impossible due rigid programs but also due to lack of finance vehicles (Erasmus, etc.)

Increased mobility should try to avoid draining future members of their talents completely –reintegration –mobility as part of international cooperation –increasing research opportunities in Western Balkans –reintegration plus – returning researcher brings funds to his institution (outsourcing parts of research) –avoiding making one off choices

Barriers to incoming mobility Visas, residence and work permits Financial barriers Social and health security Additional : language barriers, accommodation and housing

Visas, residence and work permits Visa policy – the Ministry of foreign affairs and European integration and the Ministry of internal affairs precedence to security matters no distinction among researchers and economic migrants Acquiring residence and work permits - time consuming process not necessary for up to 3 months visits of EU researchers if any payment is involved, work permit is necessary

Institutions in charge of incoming mobility Ministry of foreign affairs and European integration Ministry of internal affairs Ministry of science, education and sports General lack of experience in the institutions in charge

Financial weaknesses low remuneration – research investment has to raise very limited number of fellowships rarely open to foreigners very low limit to untaxed student fellowships – 1000 HRK per month (150 EUR) high taxation of student fellowships– the total cost is approximately double than the fellowship high overheads institution take also on funds for fellowships

Social and health security problems Undeveloped social and health security system for foreign researchers –undergraduate students may use health security system dedicated to students Dispersed and uncertain information

Additional barriers Unfriendly framework conditions general attitude that foreigners take jobs from locals (and research is considered employment, not studying, and is taxed as such) lack of English language courses Language barriers – obligatory usage of local languages, especially for thesis, all the documents, diplomas, etc. – even when lectures are in foreign language Accommodation and housing –weak formal rental market, no appropriate accommodation (apartments, etc.) for visiting researchers –language barriers –price barriers

Interregional mobility Need of reform in the WB research – similar problems due to similar context WB research has to integrate into ERA Increase of regional mobility as a consequence of regional cooperation

Intersectorial mobility – academia and industry Low level knowledge transfer between academia and industry Economy is low added value FDI has the crucial contribution FDI into R&D – outsourcing R&D general FDI with R&D component Local companies – not investing into R&D negative attitude towards “science” Large potential –Well educated workforce –Reasonably priced graduates

Preliminary survey results of Incoming mobility questonnaire(1) Mobility in CroatiaYes [%]No [%] Is there incoming mobility of scientists in Croatia? 67%33% Do you consider foreign scientists important for the development of Croatian scientific work? 100%0% Is the mobility of scientists an important factor in the EU convergence process? 100%0% Institutional mobility Is there an offer to foreign researchers in your institution? 33%67% Would you like to increase the amount of foreign researchers in your institution? 100%0%

Preliminary survey results of Incoming mobility questionnaire(2) Barriers to incoming mobility [%] Visa 0% Work permit 24% Recognition of foreign diplomas 24% Wages 52% Rents 10% Health security 10% Social security 0% Accommodation 33% Schooling system 5% Rest 33%

Croatia towards EU Extensive portfolio of policy measures necessary Learning form best practises ERA integration Flexibility & coordination & simplicity in the governmental organisations

Thank you for your attention!