Abstract
The European Research Area (ERA) was established in 2000 as a core policy for the free movement of knowledge and people across Europe. The year 2014 was set as a target date for the achievement of the ERA; the question is whether this target was met. This is investigated by focusing on the research career and mobility aspect of the ERA. A number of examples are given to demonstrate that much progress has been made using the method of open coordination. There are outstanding issues including brain drain but European Union Member States remain committed to achieving the ERA. This is exemplified in the new ERA policy launched in 2020 which brings a fresh focus on researchers and their role in achieving the ERA. The conclusion is that the ERA is not an end in itself; rather it is the policy framework for Member States to support the development of highly talented mobile researchers that can apply their advanced skills and competences to making society better and advancing the economy.
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Notes
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- 2.
High-Level Expert Group on Improving Mobility of Researchers, composed of national experts, appointed by the Member States; it presented a report to the Commission in April 2001.
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For a full list of related policies.
- 4.
The High-Level Expert Working Group on Improving Mobility of Researchers was set up by the European Commission, composed of national experts appointed by the Member States. It submitted a report on April 2001. See European Commission: Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - A mobility Strategy for the European Research Area, COM (2001)331 final.
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European Commission: Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Researchers in the European Research Area: one profession, multiple careers, COM (2003) 436 final.
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Council Directive 2005/71/EC of 12 October 2005 on a specific procedure for admitting third-country nationals for the purposes of scientific research.
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O’Carroll, C. (2022). Will European Research Area Ever Be a Reality?. In: Anagnostopoulou, D., Skiadas, D. (eds) Higher Education and Research in the European Union. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85690-8_2
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