In its communication ‘ Towards a European Research Area ' the European Commission pays particular attention to the need for more abundant and mobile of researchers in Europe. Mobility is considered as a specific tool for knowledge transfer at national and European level and for raising the attractiveness of Europe for scientific talents all over the world. Subsequently, in 2001 the European Commission prepared a Communication ‘ Mobility Strategy in ERA ' which proposes the establishment of a European Network of Research Mobility Centers (RMC). Its objective is to ensure to mobile researchers and their families comprehensive information and assistance on all issues related to their living and working environment. The lack of a good organized system offering such services is identified as one of the main obstacles for researchers mobility.
In 2002 DG Research of the European Commission established a High Level Group targeted at the establishment of European Network of Research Mobility Centers (RMC) – ERA MORE . It is considered this network to ensure at pan - European level fast and efficient provision of up - to - date information and practical assistance to incoming and outgoing scientists on issues related to their career path and everyday life.
In respect of the future role of ERA MORE , the European Commission has ensured financial support under a FP6 call for its establishment and promotion, as well as for setting-up mobility centers in the participating countries. It is considered that all RMC will join ERA MORE after accepting its principles and signing therefore a Declaration of Commitment.
A study of the state - of - the - art in Bulgaria shows that the information and services oriented towards researcher ' s mobility are dispersed , partial , and incomplete . A number of universities , including Sofia University , provide a wide range of services and information , however , in most cases one - sided and incomplete . Partial services and non systematized and incomplete information is provided by various administrative services – ministries , agencies , etc ., however , t here is no complete “one-stop”-based information or services for researcher's mobility in anyone of the organisations and institutions within the governmental, higher education, research, business or non-governmental sector. Subsequently, there is no any single web-site or web-portal that currently supplies information and services in sufficient amount and diversity as to serving the mobile researchers' needs. As a result , incoming researchers could not receive comprehensive services upon their arrival for a longer stay in Bulgaria. More generally, the mobility obstacles create barriers for the transfer of knowledge and skills in the country and abroad. |
