Towards the ‘Fifth Freedom’: Increasing the Mobility of Researchers in the European Union

Abstract

Many researchers trained in Europe leave to work abroad, namely in the USA. This brain‐drain phenomenon is the result of a lack of openness and competition in European academic systems. Some aspects relating to the mobility of academic careers could make a difference in attracting – and maintaining – researchers, aside to serious structural reform. This article explains how, in terms of mobility, it is possible to distinguish four different higher education models in Europe, showing persistent heterogeneity in the tenth anniversary of the Bologna Declaration.

Notes

1. German Rectors' Conference (HRK) “National Pension Schemes as an Obstacle to Mobility for Researchers in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)”. Berlin, Germany, 12–13 June 2008. Reports available at: ⟨http://www.hrk.de/bologna/de/home/1945_3448.php⟩

2. “Europe of Higher Education: Reinforcing the Space for Mobility”, Nancy, France, 4–5 November 2008. Available at ⟨http://www.eu2008.fr/PFUE/lang/en/accueil/PFUE‐11_2008/PFUE‐04.11.2008/l_europe_de_l_enseignement_superieur_un_espace_de_mobilite_a_renforcer⟩

3. Available at ⟨http://www.oecd.org/document/63/0,3343,en_2649_33703_39945471_1_1_1_1,00.html⟩

4. Available at ⟨http://www.arwu.org/rank/2007/ranking2007.htm⟩

5. Data provided by the Danish Center for Research Analysis from 2007. Available at ⟨http://www.cfa.au.dk/Welcome.htm⟩