A presidency conference “MSCA 2020.HR: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Impact and Future Challenges”, held on 19 June 2020 in Zagreb, Croatia, discussed the role and importance of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) programme in achieving a positive and balanced brain circulation, the ways of attracting and maintaining excellent researchers and encouraging them to participate in research and innovation programmes.
In this context, the state secretary dr. sc. Tome Antičić presented the “Zagreb call for Action on brain Circulation 2020” initiative (PDF in attachment), as a result of the work of the Ministry of Science and Education during the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The main objective of this initiative is to strengthen a fair and balanced brain circulation in the European Union by developing an appropriate and sustainable system of measures against destabilising effects of brain drain and putting a greater emphasis on the preservation, attraction, mobility, empowerment and rewarding of talents in Europe.
The space for innovation and development in the European Union differs between Member States, resulting in their uneven growth and development. Although the situation in highly developed members is very good in this regard, this is not enough for the Union to be competitive in relation to strong world economies. Greater participation by all Member States in the field of development and innovation, reform of the scientific system and synergies between different European and national funds can contribute to the balanced development of the whole Union. A balanced circulation of brains between Member States will be an important step towards achieving this goal.
In this regard, the“Zagreb call for Action on brain Circulation 2020” initiative calls on all EU members to jointly address the problem of unbalanced mobility of researchers and offers a wide range of concrete measures that enable a fairer and inclusive circulation of brains.