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Summary of the Internal
Analysis
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers incorporating
the
European Charter for Researchers
and
the Code of Conduct for the
Recruitment of Researchers
at the National Institute for Economic
Research
May, 2015
Summary of the Internal Analysis
Introduction
This document presents the compliance of the National Institute for Economic
Research (NIER) with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of
Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and identifies actions for improving adherence to
the European Commission’s recommendations. The Action Plan provides a framework to
increase the attractiveness of the Institute, the vitality and sustainability of the research
environment, and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research undertaken by
NIER’s researchers.
The National Institute for Economic Research (NIER) was created by the Government
Decision „On reorganization of the science and innovation organizations” Nr.270 from 18
April 2013 as amended reorganizing the Institute of Economics, Finance and Statistics of the
Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Economy. Simultaneously, the Institute incorporated
and demography sector of the Institute of Political Science and European Integration thus was
created the Demographic Research Center of the NIER.
The National Institute for Economic Research is a public institution (think-tank) which
deals with scientific economic research. The NIER employs 99 scientific researchers,
including: 35- PhD, habilitated doctors – 7. Main beneficiaries of the NIER are Ministry of
Economy, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Social Protection, Academy of Sciences and
others.
NIER has the necessary experience and capacities for realization of projects and can be
a reliable partner in the future. Former experience covers a wide variety of applied research on
the evolution of economic and social processes in Moldova, insuring a stable economic growth
and high living standards. The most important research directions are: Economic and financial
models, mechanisms for sustainable growth; Business and investment environment;
Agricultural policies and informational base for rural development in the context of food
safety; Improvement of statistical information system according to EU standards;
Demographic and social development policies.
Thus, National Institute for Economic Research (NIER) is currently the only public
institution specializing in economic research from the Republic Moldova and currently it has a
significant contribution of its legitimate predecessors 4 Institutes, which over more than 60
years were formed and strengthened economic science in the country, by promoting
excellence in field of economic research.
The NIER’s activities are related to scientific researches in economy, finance,
statistics, reforming of social sphere and integration of the Republic of Moldova in world
economic circuit. The Institute collaborates with numerous Moldovan and foreign academic
centers, with central and local administration bodies, as well as representatives of business and
social stakeholders.
The NIER’s activity is focused on achieving of a higher competitiveness in fields of
socio-economic researching at the international level, adjusting the research and learning
programs to the needs of modern science and innovation community, while establishing an
effective collaboration with the other research institutes or universities. The Institute also
aims to enhance the capabilities and experience of its human capital, improve its financial
capacity, in order to apply many classic and new methods and technologies in research
process. Because the NIER also, prepares PhD students, it is very important that the education
Summary of the Internal Analysis
system is very modern one, and also often are invited many famous professors from scientific
centers/universities from other countries by organizing some trainings/seminars for young
researchers and PhD-students in fields of which they are interested in. All of this are
effectively used in the NIER’s research/academic facilities and strengthening the links
between training, research, innovation and private (business) sectors which lead to a
sustainable knowledge society.
As it was mentioned above, within the NIER it was established a doctoral and
postdoctoral schools, in 2012 by the Decision of the Supreme Council for Science and
Technological Development. The activity of Doctoral Schools is supervised by UnASM via
Doctoral Schools and the Lifelong Learning Department. The Institute collaborates with
numerous Moldovan and foreign academic centers, with central and local administration
bodies, as well as representatives of business and social stakeholders.
The main governmental institutions with which NIER cooperates are the
following: Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Ministry of
Labor, Social and Family Protection, Ministry of Finance, MSTI, NBM, etc.
Thus, NIER contributes to elaboration and development of national strategies,
directives and other important documents for the realization of the state policy in the fields of
economy, finance and statistics. Also, there are made analysis, forecasts and synopsis in these
areas.
It should be mentioned that NIER has a double subordination. It is an institutional
member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova as well as is subordinated to the Ministry of
economy of Moldova. This special status make the NIER to be guided inclusively by
regulations and directives approved by the Supreme Council for Science and Technological
Development of the Academy of Sciences and assisted by specialized structures such as:
Centre of International Projects, Agency for Innovation and Technology Transfer etc. but also
be involved in working groups of the Ministry of Economy.
Having a long historical evolution, the NIER all the time has been facing the
challenges of post-modern society and new breakthroughs regarding academic mobility,
scientific research and educational opportunities as well. All these successes is due to many
collaborations of the NIER with national and international partners with whom were signed
agreement and with whom are involved in international project groups or some scientific
events. Because the republic of Moldova follow the European vector ,the NIER having many
partners in the European countries, had to acquire and adapt the European cultural, scientific,
and educational values to improve working standards for researchers and PhD students. In this
context, the implementation of Charter and Code principles becomes a priority among the
main strategic objectives, such as improving working conditions, encouraging the professional
development of research staff, boosting performance and excellence via attractive research
careers.
Approach
From 15 May, 2014, the NIER has launched the process of implementation of the
European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of
Researchers principles, based on the decision of the Scientific Council of the NIER. Thus,
on 10 February, 2014, the director of the NIER, prof. Alexandru STRATAN, signed the
Declaration of Commitment to the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct
Summary of the Internal Analysis
for the Recruitment Researchers. Later, the Declaration of Commitment was signed by the
members of the EURAXESS service network.
According to the European Commission’s recommendations, an interdepartmental
working group was founded to review the Moldovan legislation, as well as internal
documentations (strategies, regulations, procedures) and processes of the NIER relating to
the principles of Charter & Code and to identify which of these principles are already
implemented and which of them would need more attention to ensure a good development
and implementation of Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) within the
institute.
In this context it was established a Steering committee (working group) which has
been involving all key players, in order to proceed along this overwhelming process and to
identify the deficiencies and the relevant actions to be carried. The Steering committee
included the following:
1) Stratan Alexandru, director, PhD, univ. prof.
2) Timus Angela, scientific secretary, PhD, assoc. prof.
3) Ghitiu Lilia (Loc P) scientific researcher, PhD, assoc. prof.
4) Savcenco Silvia, HRM, scientific researcher.
During the first half of 2014, the Centre of International Projects, acting as the EURAXESS
Bridge Head Organization, organized several information days, seminars and round tables
in order to discuss the internal evaluation process, all steps of HRS4R implementation and
described the benefits of HR Excellence Logo for organizations (institutes of scientific
research).
Applied methodology
The gap analysis carried out by the steering committee consisted in the analysis of
the current national legislation and regulations of the NIER relating to the principles of
Charter and Code. Given the fact that the NIER is an institutional member of the Academy
of Sciences of Moldova and is subordinated to the Ministry of Economy, as well as the ASM
and the Ministry’s regulations have also been taken into account.
In order to obtain an additional input of the NIER employees who are involved in
research activities and in educational process (teachers, researchers, assistants, etc.), were
asked to measure the status of implementation of particular principles of Charter and Code.
In such a way, it was fill in the questionnaire based on 40 principles of the Charter
and Code consisting of 4 dimensions such as: (1) Ethical and professional aspects; (2)
Recruitment; (3) Working conditions and social security; (4) Training, and each
principle was transformed into a statement. Respondents have been asked to evaluate the
statements based on a grid between 1 (totally disagree) and 4 (totally agree). These four
dimensions are corresponding to below each sections of the questionnaire as following:
I.
Open Recruitment and Portability of Grants;
II.
Social Security Issues;
III.
Attractive Employment and Working Conditions;
IV.
Enhancing Training, Skills and Experience of Researchers.
Summary of the Internal Analysis
All answers from the questionnaire were analyzed and were taken into account in the
process of elaborating the Action Plan in order to improve the situation and ensure effective
implementation according to the principles of Charter & Code.
HRS4R Internal Analysis
In our opinion, in general a majority of the Charter & Code recommendations are
already implemented in the Moldovan legislation and in the guidelines and processes of
the NIER, such as: to provide good and equitable working conditions, to offer an
attractive career for researchers and to increase the international visibility of NIER’s
which was included in the new Plan of Development of the NIER 2015-2018, but anyway
deeply analyzing there were discovered some gaps which related to some disparities between
internal acts/documentations and the actual practices at the opinion an level. In order to
ensure a better implementation of all HRS4R principles and to enhance the quality of
research and innovation in the NIER, the Strategy of Human Resources development as a Part
of the PDI was taking into consideration, was modified and reviewed.
Given the fact that many of the processes reflected in the 40 principles of Charter
and Code are interconnected, governed by common laws, the brief results of the internal
analysis are presented according to the four main thematic groups:
1. Ethical and professional aspects
The analysis of the national framework and internal acts showed that research freedom
is guaranteed by Article 33 of the Moldavian Constitution, the Statute of the NIER (Section II
pp.16-23) and its Collective Labor Contract. The second one was changed according to Plan
of implementation of EURAXESS results. Additionally to internal regulations, the principles
of ethics and deontology are defined in the Code of ethics and professional deontology of
researchers and teachers, adopted by the National Council on Accreditation and Attestation
(national authority for evaluation and accreditation of organizations in the field of science and
innovations and attestation of scientific and scientific- pedagogical personnel). The Council
takes into account international regulations and standards on ethics in scientific research and
teaching, including the Charter and Code principles, in a more extensive way, making
reference to researchers and academic staff who submit requests to the National Council for
Accreditation and Attestation (CNAA).
But, the steering committee has made an evaluation and monitored the compliance
with the Code of Ethics of the NIER, the application of basic ethical principles in the activity
of scientific researches, in order to detect some gaps or ethical dilemmas in the NIER’s stuff
activity. Information on professional attitude, the primary responsibilities of researchers to
ensure the conformity of scientific and scientific (teaching) activities with ethical norms
accepted by the international scientific community are reflected in the individual
employment contracts and on the very first recruitment interview is detailed the job
description template. However, we need to review and complete the internal regulations on
issues of ethics and professional conduct, detailing some chapters by complying with the
principles of Charter & Code, providing some tools and mechanisms to report on violations of
Summary of the Internal Analysis
professional ethics, elaborating procedures for better management and preventing conflicts,
introducing new means for penalizing plagiarism etc., completing the study contracts with
PhD students and employees, hired under new provisions and rules. Another important act is
the Collective Labor Contract which is reviewed as often as it is necessary for improving
employees’ conditions of work in the NIER.
As about the strategic research directions which are approved by the Resolution of
the Government and Parliament, we can notice that these are an integral part of both
Research and Development Strategy of the Republic of Moldova and annual Partnership
Agreement between the Government and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM), and
the NIER in this context is more closed to the Government because as it was mentioned has a
double subordination, as well as under the ASM and the Ministry of Economy. Research
domains/fields and objectives of the NIER’s departments (approved annually by the Scientific
Council of the NIER) are published on the institution's website. The organization of scientific
activity within the institute is regulated by the internal rules of the organization of scientific
research activity. Thus, the NIER offers a lot of opportunities for dissemination of scientific
results through the organization (co-organization) of many national and international
conferences, workshops, trainings, round–tables, or other events, for both senior and young
researchers (masters and PhDs). Also, the NIER is the founder of a scientific Journal
„ECONOMY AND SOCIOLOGY” (economic profile scientific publication, category "B"
peer-reviewed magazine ISSN 1857-4130 (printed version). Index Subscription 41886.
Appearances:
year 4
issues
in
Romanian
and
English.
Online
version http://ince.md/ro/complexul-editorial/publ...-si-sociologie/. Theoretical and scientific
journal "Economy and Sociology" was founded in 1953 by the Department of Sociology,
Institute of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science, Academy of Sciences of RSS
Republic. It is a scientific journal in economics, including scientific articles that address
topics and issues related to economic and social development of the country. Article content
corresponds to a high scientific level of the journal "B". Theoretical formulas are confirmed
by practical calculations. This paper presents interest for readers of vast environment. It is
required that in the article to be indicated by the author the vision that differs from previously
published results. Since 2011, the theoretical scientific journal Economy and Sociology is
being published in two languages (Romanian and English), and since 2013 is indexed in:
DOAJ, IDEAS, EconPapers), SOCIONET INDEXCOPERNICUS,OAJI, RePEc. It is
important to remark that articles are published in journals only after reviewers carried by a
Scientific Board or an expert researcher in the field (including international reviewers).
Also, there is Department of Public Relations, International Cooperation and
Technology Transfer Department of the NIER, for a better visibility and good collaboration at
international level. At the same time this department has a good feedback with Agency for
Innovation and Technology Transfer (AITT) which supports and consults the academic staff
on successful technological transfer, exploitation of research results and establishment
of efficient partnerships with industry. As about the author rights on obtained scientific
results, the NIER’s is guided by the State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of
Moldova (AGEPI), with which it was signed an Agreement. Thus, the rules on intellectual
property exploitation and the patent guidelines are detailed in the relevant national legislation
–
Special
Laws
and
Regulations
on
Intellectual
Property
(http://agepi.gov.md/en/legislation/national.php).
The NIER regularly organizes lectures about the legal framework for intellectual
Summary of the Internal Analysis
property protection, inviting specialists from the AGEPI. Moreover, The NIER was directly
involved in working group of elaborating of the strategy “Innovations for competitiveness”
2013-2020 which defines a vision, objectives and measures for developing innovation
activities in the Republic of Moldova. The overarching aim is that innovation should
contribute to achieving a sustainable and competitive knowledge-based economy. The
strategy assesses the current situation and the development potential in the area of innovation.
It includes an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and identifies
strategic innovation priorities. The strategy perceives innovation as transforming new ideas
into successful products, or known ideas into new products. This latter approach reflects
current realities and needs of the Moldovan society, which has good capacity to assimilate,
copy, reproduce, re-engineer and optimize existing innovations, but has little capacity to
generate new innovations. In Moldova, research, technological development and innovation
on the one hand, and the real economy on the other hand evolve largely independently of one
another. The connection between research, education and business is rather poor. As a result,
the economy is largely driven by the cost of resources and not by skills and innovation.
In the strategy it is planned that innovation will be stimulated in firms as well as in the society
in general. The strategy formulates that Moldovan firms should be supported to absorb,
generate and disseminate innovation. Business should be better connected to universities and
research centers. A list of practical measures for implementing the strategy has been compiled
and annexed to the strategy in an Action Plan. These measures include support for innovation
and technology transfer projects, introducing an innovation voucher scheme, etc.
But, the NIER takes into consideration also the use of scientific and technological
results which is regulated at national level by the Code on Science and Innovation of the
Republic of Moldova, stipulated in the VII-th Chapter. Within the ASM, transparent
guidelines and processes have been introduced to announce, register and evaluate (for ex.
Expert on-line information system) programs and projects concepts and results of scientific
research within science and innovation area in the Republic of Moldova. The accounting
process is transparent and research projects are regularly audited on the financial and
scientific aspects. Such, the NIER respects all these statements. In order to help and assist the
NIER’s Administration support scientists during the writing of project proposals. It registers
and monitors the projects submitted, and discusses it periodically at the meetings of the
Scientific Boards, providing inputs on the project, and analyzing progress. Thus, the NIER’s
administration is informed regularly when research projects are delayed, redefined,
completed, terminated or suspended for different reasons. To support researchers with
projects` financial planning it is expected to be presented throughout the continuous
training programs the course of economic and financial management that aims to familiarize
the target groups with methodological norms for managing the budgetary funds, programs
budgetary financing procedure, and use of the digital information system. S uch, in
collaboration with the Center of International Projects of ASM the NIER periodically
organizes thematically events and workshops on topics like new European research
programs, writing and management of international projects, external funding opportunities
etc.
In order to make scientific research available to the wider public, the NIER
organizes Open Days (including for Diaspora’s members) and trainings for young researches
with famous professors form many countries. As other institutes, the NIER takes part in
events such as "Researcher’s Night", forums, TV and radio programs, etc.
Summary of the Internal Analysis
For the development, NIER is very receptive at internal and external evaluations.
Such, in 2015, the NIER was accredited and accumulated many points according to National
Council on Accreditation and Attestation criteria. The external evaluation standards of
organizational units and research staff, including scientific degrees and titles award, which
have been developed by the National Council on Accreditation and Attestation (NCAA), the
same indicators are being used by the NIER for annual evaluation. In order to motivate NIER
employees and make them to evaluate themselves, annually is organizing at the final of every
year a completion of “The young researcher of the year” (for scientists older then 35 year) and
“The scientist of year” (for more experienced employees).
2. Recruitment
The recruitment of researchers and teaching staff is done according to the national legislation
by giving each person the opportunity to compete freely for each given position according
to the Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova and to the Code of Science and Innovation of
the Republic of Moldova. Competition for appointment is transparent and it is announced in
the national media, on the NIER’s and the Academy of Sciences’ websites. From this
perspective, it is highly important to inform all candidates before the interview about the
activity and expectations of the NIER and to publish information on vacancies on EURAXESS
Jobs Portal. The NIER acts on the basis of national legislation stipulations, and has no specific
internal regulation for organization of the employment process, except the Collective
Labor Contract, which stipulates some details specific for NIER’s employees. To this extent,
the development and implementation of a regulatory framework for recruitment that
abides by the principles of the European Charter and Code is one of the priorities of the
NIER. The procedures of recruitment must be open, transparent and comparable to the
international experience. It is necessary to state clearly the rules of selection and employment
process. Furthermore, the regulation has to stipulate the judgment of merit in case of
variations in the chronological order of CVs and the recognition of mobility. Nowadays, the
equivalent procedure of doctoral examinations and recognition of credits for doctoral students
who have achieved mobility in universities/institutes abroad is regulated by the rules on the
organization and functioning of the Doctoral School, national regulations on the
organization of doctoral and postdoctoral studies, stipulating as well the admission
requirements and the procedure to follow doctoral and postdoctoral studies. The NIER
encourages the involvement of researchers, particularly the early stage researchers and
welcomes the virtual mobility of researchers, by attending online courses offered by
outstanding universities. However, the accumulated experience through mobility is not
an indicator for recruitment during the selection process, a disadvantage that should be
eliminated and included as a provision in the recruitment rules.
It is known that the Republic of Moldova has signed the Lisbon Convention on
Recognition of Qualifications which provides recognition of studies, certificates, diplomas
and degrees obtained in another country of the European region. Recognition and equivalence
of diplomas and certificates of highly qualified scientific (teaching) activity obtained abroad is
regulated by the national legislation, being carried out by the National Council for
Accreditation and Attestation of Moldova.
The minimum length of service in the research field and scientific qualifications
required for scientific vacancies are governed by the Code on Science and Innovation
of the Republic of Moldova. Thus, in order to avoid discrimination of young researchers
Summary of the Internal Analysis
during the selection process, they will be considered only if they meet the minimum
seniority requirements and not seniority by it. In this context, the qualifications,
competencies and abilities in the field of the announced vacancy are very relevant for the
selection process.
It should be mentioned that the NIER encourages the strategy for recruitment of young
people with teaching and research skills, which would be further integrated into a training
system (Ph.D. and postdoctoral studies, internships abroad, scientific activity, etc). It provides
a beneficial framework for career advancement as well as mechanisms to stimulate the interest
of researchers to develop a successful career in science, especially for young researchers. The
NIER fosters the participation of scientific researchers at different national and international
competitions, assigns prizes for the Academy of Sciences of Moldova such as Scientist of the
Year, Young Scientist of the Year, etc.
3. Work and social conditions
The NIER provides good and high level standards for performing research and
teaching activities as well. The NIER has rooms with modern equipment and
videoconferencing system that enhances distance learning/teaching by involving wellknown professors from abroad, as well as scientific Diaspora members. Very often, the NIER
organizes seminars, symposiums and round tables, training with virtual participation as well.
Within the NIER, there is a Republican Technical Scientific Library (RTSL) was founded
1969 is an institution specialized in info-documentary field relevant to the process of research,
expertise, knowledge and education. As a holder of a unique heritage of Moldova and has a
major role in the preservation, digitization and facilitate access to collections, national and
international databases. The RTSL’collections constitute around 14 million. Documents
(patents, normative documents, industrial catalogs, books, periodicals, journals, scientific
reports, electronic documents, etc.) reflect many areas of the economy and technology,
ecology, architecture, industry, etc. as well. The RTSL’s mission is to provide access to
unlimited resources, quality information products and services in order to contribute to the
study and research in the country and to promote scientific results and innovations in the
environment business. In this context the RTSL participates very often at exhibition where
there is promoted and disseminated information about the NIER’s activity and its research
results.
Also, whole NIER’s staff regardless of the type of employment enjoys social
protection under the national law (right to a pension, medical insurance, etc). Employment
rights are also reflected in the Collective Labor Contract, as was mentioned above, and in
the Individual Labor Contracts signed by employees. It is mandatory to instruct the
newly-appointed researchers about workplace safety, potential dangers and viable
protective measures. According to the Collective Labor Contract, employees are entitled to
additional breaks for feeding children and free annual medical examination. Remuneration
of researchers is done on the ground of single tariff network for scientists from science
and innovation organizations funded from the state budget (approved by Government).
This is a rigorous scheme with clear and transparent internal mechanisms to incentive
researchers: promotion from one remuneration category to another, awards, bonuses, wage
supplements that are granted for accomplished performance. All employees from NIER
enjoy equal rights and opportunities, and the principle of non-discrimination is guaranteed
Summary of the Internal Analysis
by the national legislation (Law on Equal opportunities no. 121 of 25.05.2012), the statute of
the NIER (Section 5 &6) and the Collective Labor Contract.
The NIER’s employees are encouraged by the administration to improve themselves by
attending trainings, seminars provided by the NIER or other relevant institutions
(organizations) from the Republic of Moldova and from abroad. Such, the NIER seeks to
identify the individual needs of researchers as to design and implement efficiently an action
plan for continuous training based on employee feedback. As was mentioned above, PhD
students have many opportunities to attend public lectures, summer schools, etc in Moldova
and abroad. According to the national and internal regulations, employees are represented in
all collective decision-making bodies (Scientific Council of the NIER, Boards, and
Commissions).
4. Training
One of the priorities of the NIER is to develop and motivate whole staff to a sustainable
development. In this context, NIER periodically organizes training courses for NIER’s
researchers especially for PhD-students. At the same, time it should be mentioned that NIER
is involved in doctoral, postdoctoral and continuing education studies at the highest level, in
order to provide the consultancy services in the field. The NIER encourages both young
researchers and senior researchers via granting additional credits during the evaluation
process for participating at different events organized by research/education institutions,
specialized authorities in certain areas in order to obtain transversal competences.
Throughout the PhD program, researchers are supported and assisted by highly
skilled doctoral supervisors, being appointed for this position by the national authority
(CNAA) on the grounds of clear performance indicators. The main duties of doctoral
supervisors are reflected both in national and internal regulations. It is expected to extend
the competencies and responsibilities of doctoral supervisors as well as monitoring their
activity via regular evaluation procedure. All these changes should be clearly specified and
stipulated in the Individual Labor Contracts. S u c h the Doctoral School Board provides
consultancy services in the event of prevention and remediation conflicts that may occur
between PhD student and doctoral supervisor.
A mini-action plan was elaborated after a deep analysis for improving this field. The
necessary actions, where appropriate, have been detailed, as well as the time frame and
responsible actors. From the document was extracted the Action Plan.
Thus, the Action Plan included references to seven fields of activity:
- Ethical and Professional Aspects as well as Good Practice in Research
- Dissemination and Exploitation of Results
- Recruitment
- Working Conditions and Social Security
- Value of mobility
- Career Development
- Supervision
Summary of the Internal Analysis
Monitoring of the Action Plan Implementation
The progress of the Action Plan will be reviewed by a Monitoring Committee
chaired by the Director and consisted by: scientific secretary, LocP of Euraxess, and
Manager of HR.
This Committee will analyze the Action Plan development each six months,
notify the progress of planned actions, the impediments and problems that might occur and
the proposals for their solution. After two years the state of implementation of the HR
Strategy for Researchers at NIER, there will be reviewed by an internal Self-evaluation in
order to adjust, as necessary, the strategy in line with other policy and practice (national
or/and international) related to researchers, as well as research staff feedback, and to
highlight the actions for the subsequent two-year period Action Plan. The final report and
proposed action plan will be examined by the NIER’s Scientific Council.
Summary of the Internal Analysis