"It is all too easy to talk about theoretical notions of
productivity, or innovation, but where do these stem from?",
Katrien Meas (chief policy officer of LERU) asks rhetorically. "In
the opinion of LERU, there is basic research at the source of
all innovation. And basic research requires highly skilled people.
So it always boils down to people in the end."
In their policy paper, LERU expands on this point:
"Attracting talented individuals from anywhere in the world to a
research career in Europe is the single most crucial factor in
developing a globally competitive ERA. The EU should step up its
efforts to increase interaction with and attract top talent from
established and strong emerging competitors to institutions in
Europe at all stages of a research career. Obstacles to researcher
mobility need to be addressed."
Katrien Maes knows already that the European Commission will aim
for the introduction of EU-wide open recruitment for universities.
"Right now universities are often bound to cumbersome recruitment
procedures, or national governments pose restrictions with regard
to remuneration of scientists. We want to move toward more
openness."