1. University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture Mobility of researchers in Croatia WEB-MOB Zagreb, 25 / 10 / 2007 Neven Duić

2. 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 researcher1926 27 29 37 45

3. Were we want to go 2007 –studying 3 years BSc programme in 3-4 years –studying 2 years MSc programme in 2-3 years (at different institution) –further 3-5 years of studying, teaching, research and projects in order to obtain PhD (again at different institution) –Postdoc 2-6 years (again at different institution) –researcher becomes independent researcher1822 25 30 35

4. 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

5. 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

6. Barriers to incoming mobility Visas, temporary stay, permanent residence and work permits Academic barriers Financial barriers Social and health security barriers Additional : language barriers, accommodation and housing

7. Visas (up to 90 days) 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 Visa waiver to EU + EFTA + WB (-AL) + OECD + most of Latin America

8. Visas (up to 90 days)

9. Temporary stay (above 90 days) Permit policy – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration and the Ministry of Internal Affairs Only way to stay longer than 90 days (Art. 37) Any paid research work related activity longer than 30 days (Art. 95) Most paid work related activity Should be applied for the first time before coming Extension possible in Croatia

10. Work permits Permits policy – the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Internal Affairs Quota system – around 1000 new work permits per year –Science and education – 10 Research and tertiary teaching without work permits –professors invited as lecturers by Croatian universities, scientists doing scientific and professional further studies, scientific representatives of international organisations and scientists taking part in the execution of scientific research projects important for the Republic of Croatia; –aliens who in the Republic of Croatia have the status of fulltime school or university student, when engaged in activities of a temporary nature, through authorised agents, and in line with the regulations governing engagement in such activities.

11. Institutions in charge of incoming mobility Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry of Internal Affairs Ministry of Science, Education and Sports Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes (new) Agency for Research and Higher Education (ENIC/NARIC) Capacity significantly increased with negotiation process. Still missing lower down …

12. Academic barriers Academic qualification recognition function well since ENIC/NARIC office established ECTS implemented but does not function in intended way – no student mobility

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

14. 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 – also financial barriers inter-University (national, regional and international) mobility practically impossible due rigid programs but also due to lack of finance vehicles (Erasmus, etc.) Academic barriers

15. Financial barriers 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

16. 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

17. Additional barriers General attitude that foreigners take jobs from locals (and research is considered employment, not studying, and is taxed as such) Lack of courses in English language 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Survey results of Incoming mobility questionnaire (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%

21. 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%

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

23. Thank you for your attention!