Research and Economic Growth
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Transcript of Research and Economic Growth
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7/31/2019 Research and Economic Growth
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Attracting young scientists
Despite limited resources, Greek scientists have displayed in the past considerable
research successes. This is unfortunately not due to a national strategy. It is the
remarkable activity of single researchers or institutions. One must not forget that a
large number of Greek scientists lives and works abroad. Sporadic actions to attract
them back home have not been fruitful. In the contrary, our best minds leave the
country, because of the continuous economic downturn. The reorganization of
research on a new and stable basis has the potential to persuade young scientists to
come to Greece and, simultaneously, to stem the brain drain effect.
Connection with the production
A new national research strategy should focus in the fields of agriculture, materials
science and computer science. The shift in research for production of agricultural
products is necessary, as the rural economy in Greece is expected to miss a
significant part of its funds because of the new Common Agricultural Policy of the
European Union.
Lots of experts from various disciplines are reluctant to turn to agricultural research.
Yet a simple look in international science journals is enough to understand that in
this area a real revolution is in progress. Satellite monitoring of agricultural
production, robot machines and new agricultural products of high nutritional value
are just a few technological novelties to be mentioned. The aim should be twofold:
a) Cultivation of new agricultural products with high demand in the worlds
markets and
b) Increasing the added value of agricultural products by applying vertical
manufacturing principles.
Conclusion
Is it possible for a country, plagued by economic crisis, to display significant research
presence? My answer is yes. Universities and research institutions are likely to
undergo painful restructuring, but this may result into higher research output.
Linking research to production should be the main goal of a new research policy. The
design and production of innovative products with high added value for the global
market will certainly have a positive impact on the national economy.
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SOURCES
CORDIS, European research and development gateway,http://cordis.europa.eu/home_en.html
General Secretariat for Research and Technology in Greece,http://www.gsrt.gr/ Greek National Documentation Centre,http://www.ekt.gr/
*Fotis Fitsilis is an electrical engineer (PhD) and an economist. He is the Head of the
Department for Scientific Monitoring and Reporting in the Hellenic Parliament. This
is the English version of an article that was posted on 27 November 2011 in the
Neos Agon newspaperof Karditsa, Greece.
http://cordis.europa.eu/home_en.htmlhttp://cordis.europa.eu/home_en.htmlhttp://www.gsrt.gr/http://www.gsrt.gr/http://www.gsrt.gr/http://www.ekt.gr/http://www.ekt.gr/http://www.ekt.gr/http://www.ekt.gr/http://www.gsrt.gr/http://cordis.europa.eu/home_en.html