Brain-gain

Context

Effects Massive migration of young educated people, from the most sought after fields, has been one of the most alarming problems that the Republic of Serbia has had to face in the last 15 years – this problem persists even today. Intent to emigrate is especially prevalent amongst young researchers and students entering their last year of studies.

Cause Factors that affect the decision making process to emigrate on the part of these experts are, amongst others, low standards of living, decreased opportunity for continued research, the attainment of practical experience in accordance with the world’s – up-to-date – technological and scientific advancements, and unemployment.

Rough Statistics The information that the Educated forum has collected, with the assistance of UNICEF and UNESCO, shows that, in the past decade, Serbia and Montenegro have lost more than one half of a million young people, mostly highly skilled, who came under the belief that their lives would be better served abroad – mostly in Western Europe and the United States of America.

Brain-drain and its effects A brain drain or human capital flight is an emigration of trained and talented individuals ("human capital") to other nations or jurisdictions, due to conflicts, lack of opportunity, health hazards where they are living or other reasons. It can lead towards technological dependence, reduction of business growth, poverty, and to the potential destabilization of the entire region.

Common Interests… Therefore it is in the interest of all states that the migration of experts and highly educated persons be maintained under optimal measures. The building of ties between the Republic of Serbia and its experts abroad, both for the reasons of partnership and their eventual return to the motherland, is one of the Republic of Serbia’s primary concerns.

Common Interests In addition, this relationship between the Republic of Serbia and its diaspora would have a twofold effect in that it would also, through the absorption of knowledge gained abroad by its experts, provide the Republic of Serbia with a clearer understanding of the standards and methods employed by the European Union and the world, and thus bring the two closer in their cooperation and technological advancement.

Ties with the motherland Research done by the International Institute of Politics and Economics has shown that the majority of the Republic of Serbia’s experts who emigrated are prepared to return back to the Republic of Serbia, but only through republic’s initiative.

Possible course of action Researchers from the Institute explain the possible steps towards a realization of this return: experts from abroad could participate in the local educational process; the most outstanding of them could be given the opportunity to teach full-time at a university in the Republic of Serbia; engagement towards work on scientific and research projects; as needed, work for government institutions; use of expert knowledge gained abroad for the fulfillment of international scientific and technological collaboration, etc.

Strategic and Legal Background

Ministry for 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 Republic of Serbia towards its diaspora is contained within the Exposé of the Prime Minister – as written during the formation of the government of the Republic of Serbia on May 15th, In the period succeeding this stance will be especially strengthened towards the segment of Serbia’s diaspora that is comprised of younger educated generations, successful professionals – within their given fields, scientists, experts, and academic workers.

Concrete Plans The planning of concrete action, on the part of the government of the Republic of Serbia, will be focused on those persons living abroad, for both work and study reasons, but who intend on returning or investing into the Republic of Serbia. In that segment, the program and activities of the government of the Republic of Serbia will be concentrated towards the creation of the necessary conditions that would promote return, employment, and the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Republic of Serbia and the European Union… The Republic of Serbia’s strategy towards its approach of the European Union has been expressed through a few strategic documents: The national strategy towards an approach to the European Union; which focuses on employment, research, development, and its fight against unemployment. In this strategy an emphasis has been placed towards the revitalization of science-research capacities, promotion of innovation within society, and the creation of a basic infrastructure that would promote innovation in general.

Republic of Serbia and the European Union This would promote the Republic of Serbia in its goal towards greater cooperation and integration with the European Union. The national strategy towards business development of the Republic of Serbia between the years 2006 and 2012 points towards the need of a stable and efficient market system, competition, investment towards labor, and education and research for the purpose of future development.

Regional Development Goals The strategy of regional development of the Republic of Serbia for the period between the years 2007 and 2012 has the goal of the creation of a competitive market economy and the increase of the technological capabilities of business, which could be attained through the introduction of technological advancements and the introduction, and enforcement, of international standards. Considerable contribution to these processes could be given by the potential returning workforce of Serbian experts, researchers, and skilled workers.

Project Goals

General Goals Development and enrichment of scientific-research activities in the Republic of Serbia, especially in the fields of informatics, medicine, and modern technologies, through the return of experts, researchers, and skilled workers. Development of business relations in all sectors of the economy and the banking system through the dissemination of expertise, as well as good practice, gained abroad from developed world markets. Long-term goal in the reduction of Serbia’s brain-drain through the establishment of the means for continuing studies and research.

Special Goals Facilitation of the return of the expert and highly educated persons from Serbia’s diaspora. Strengthening of science-research institutions through the return and employment of highly educated persons and experts from Serbia’s diaspora.

Expected Results

Creation of the means for the exchange of information on available and sought after job offers in the Republic of Serbia. Creation of the return program. Secured support for the return and employment of 50 highly educated persons and experts from Serbia’s diaspora – as the “Pilot” project.

Planned Activities

Creation of the necessary informational and telecommunication requirements for the fulfillment and functioning of the project. Media coverage of the return of highly educated persons and experts from Serbia’s diaspora. Identification of the interested employers and other potentially interested parties (National Bureau of Employment). Creation of clear criteria on the issue of education as a return prerequisite.

Organization and execution of the return and employment of 50 highly educated persons and experts from Serbia’s diaspora. Financial support for the return of 50 highly educated persons and experts from Serbia’s diaspora on part of the Republic of Serbia, with the assistance of the Ministry for Diaspora and other interested institutions.

Project Worth: €980,000.00