Challenges for career and mobility of researchers in Europe

Abstract

Career development and mobility of highly skilled people have been at the centre of several fora and actions in Europe. Research and policy representatives have investigated which are the motivating and inhibiting factors for international mobility, which are the conditions and problems that researchers face in their work and career development, and how to foster creativity, knowledge creation and innovation. This paper is based on a survey carried out within the E*CARE project of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme in eight European countries. It highlights some findings linked to the environment for the careers and mobility of researchers in Europe, and the awareness of EU initiatives for building the European Research Area. Special emphasis is given to the attractiveness of researchers' careers, the remaining problems of researchers' mobility and its impact on further career development.

Management perceptions of a higher educational brand for the attraction of talented academic staf

“…Studies of academics depict that their mobility choices are mostly kindled by the reputation of host HEIs, the research resources at their disposal and the compatibility between the job post and their research preferences (Agarwal & Ohyama, 2013;De Grip, Fouarge & Sauermann, 2010;Ivancheva & Gourova, 2011). Williams and Omar (2014) argue that the running and effectiveness of HEIs are vastly associated with the quest for prestige or reputation.…”

Destination Choices of Mobile European Researchers: Europe Versus North America

“…The researchers indicated that the possibility for future career development, working on an interesting research topic and participation in a collaborative research project were among the most important motives for mobility, although the reputation of the host institutions also plays a significant role. Major obstacles for mobility are family and other personal connections, as well as the complex administration of relocation and lack of support from the home institution (Ivancheva and Gourova, 2011). De Grip et al (2009) study the factors that influence European science and engineering graduates to become internationally mobile right after their studies and 5 years later.…”

Determinants of Success in Academic Careers

“…To reach the academic top, recruiting and keeping the best staff is crucial, as a critical mass of competent highly skilled people is decisive for excellence (Ivancheva and Gourova, 2011). Van den Brink (2009) describes 'recruiting the best scholars' as the core business of universities.…”