Connecting the Scientific Diaspora of the Republic of Moldova to Socio-economic Development

1. “Connecting the scientific diaspora of the Republic of Moldova to the socio economic development of the home country” Dr. Gabriela Tejada Kick-off Meeting Chisinau, 30, April 2010

2. “Connecting the scientific diaspora of the Republic of Moldova to the scientific and economic development of the home country” A collaboration between: • the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM) • the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL)

3. Presentation content • Migration and Development – Diasporas • Relevance for Moldova • Project Background • Objectives • Empirical Evidence • ExpectedResults • Dissemination and Valorisation

4. Migration and Development - Diasporas • Current global debate: migration and development(GCIM, GFMD, etc..) • Increase in the international migration of skilled persons(brain drain) • Knowledge: key catalyst to advance development • Brain gain perspective: how to minimize migration negative impacts and encourage its potential benefits? Skilled migration… an opportunity? • Feedback effects of skilled migration : diaspora option • Diaspora option: not necessarily through permanent return but leveraging the knowledge, skills and other resources of diasporas from abroad (reversing brain drain into gains!).

5. Relevance for Moldova Background and context in Moldova (1990’s) • Economic instability of the 1990s • Lack of experience in the management of scientific policies • Context of a market economy in transition • Brain drain: scientific community falling by 58% since 1990 • Investment in S&T reduced drastically between 1990 (0,73% of GDP) and 2000 (0,18% of GDP) 2004 : turning point for the development of science • Adoption of the Code for Science and Innovation • Increase investment in R&D activities • Increase participation in international research programmes • Investment in S&T in 2008 : 0,74% of GDP; expected: 1% of GDP by 2011

6. Project Background SCOPES Programme of the SNSF Programme • “Scientific Cooperation between Eastern Europe and Switzerland” • Joint initiative by SNSF and SDC • Part of a wider effort to reinforce economic, scientific and cultural ties between Switzerland and Eastern Europe • 6th Phase (2009-2012) 16 million CHF through diverse mechanisms (JRP, IP, PG, EG…) • Aim: capacity development “improving the quality and increasing the level of scientific research “

7. Project Background • Grant of 100’000 CHF for the Joint Research Project (JRP): “Connecting the scientific diaspora of the Republic of Moldova to the scientific and economic development of the home country” • Duration: 3 years (2010 -2012) • Collaboration between: • the Department of European Integration and International Cooperation (DEIIC) of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM) • Cooperation@epfl of the Vice-Presidency of Institutional Affairs of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL)

8. Objective • Main aim: To identify ways of establishing a permanent instrument for interaction between the scientific diaspora of the RM and the scientific and professional community at home. • In accordance with the initiative by the DEIIC of the ASM : “Fostering cooperation with Moldovan scientific diaspora”.

9. Empirical evidence • Priority given to primary data • Empirical research through on-line questionnaires to: the scientific diaspora in key destination countries; the scientific community at home; and in-depth face-to-face interviews to key informants. • Better understanding of migration paths and living conditions of skilled migrants in destination countries • Links they maintain with their country of origin • Expectations from scientists at home, from the diaspora, and from diverse stakeholders from such a permanent collaboration mechanism • Enabling conditions, good practices and best policies that could support skilled migrants as partners in development

10. Expected Results First hand information • Contribute knowledge based-evidence on the position/conditions of the scientific diaspora in destination countries. Policy oriented research • Contribute to the policy dialogue through the organisation of a round table on policy implications and recommendations on how to better engage the scientific diaspora in the development process of the RM. Action oriented research • Propose/design a permanent mechanism to involve the scientific diaspora of the RM as development partners.

11. Dissemination and Valorisation • Contribution to the policy dialogue, giving visibility to research findings at a public level (getting the message across !); • Continuous dialogue with key stakeholders (national, regional and international levels); • Workshops and participation in the Moldovan Diaspora Fairs; • Scientific publications and communications in international conferences; • Completion of a comprehensive report with the research findings and main policy implications ; • List of good practices…

12. Contact and further information : Dr. Gabriela Tejada gabriela.tejada@epfl.ch http://cooperation.epfl.ch Thankyou for your attention MULŢUMESC