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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