Challenges of increasing the economic and social relevanceof romanian r&d and innovation

• Author: Steliana Sandu - Irina Anghel
• Position: Scientific Researcher 1st degree, Ph.D., Head of 'Economics of R&D' Department in the Institute of National Economy, Bucharest - Research Assistant, Ph.D. candidate ,'Economics of R&D' Department in the Institute of National Economy, Bucharest
• Pages: 186-200

186 Lex ET Scientia. Economics Series

LESIJ NO. XVII, VOL. 2/2010

CHALLENGES OF INCREASING THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL

RELEVANCE OF ROMANIAN R&D AND INNOVATION.

Steliana SANDU*

Irina ANGHEL

Abstract

The topic of this paper is of special importance in the current context, when Romania has to

cope not only with the effects of the economic and financial crisis but also with the EU Lisbon

Agenda 2020 challenges, presented by the European Commission on the 3rd of March 2010 and

recently adopted by heads of state and government leaders. Improving research-development and

innovation activities is a central issue in reaching the Agenda 2020 objectives. The present

situation is different from the one ten years ago when the previous Lisbon Strategy 2010 was

launched. This new global landscape is to try not only the 2020 Europe Strategy, with its central

point research-development and innovation but also the functioning of the economy in various

member states, including Romania. Therefore, it is a dire need nowadays that the research,

development and innovation activities at all levels be understood as instruments able to design

solutions to economic and social challenges, even for recovery the economic growth. Based on the

studying a vast specialized literature, the present paper asserts that the congruence between

scientific activity’s results and their ability to specifically address the needs of the society it serves,

depends on various factors concerning the scientific knowledge providers, knowledge potential

users, knowledge infrastructure and environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and

assess how challenges related to the provision of inputs for research activities are addressed by

the national research system, especially in the new condition of economic crisis. Its actors have to

ensure and justify that adequate financial and human resources are most appropriately mobilised

for an efficient R&D operational system, having in view the time horizon required until the effects

of the R&D investment become visible by increasing R&D system performance and, also, for

transferring the knowledge results into economy. Another aim of the paper is to analyse and assess

specific barriers faced the circulation of the financial flows and research results: weak relation

between university and industry, financing and barriers that must be overcome by business

sectors, low absorptive capacity of knowledge users etc. Depicting the current strengthens and

weaknesses of R&D mechanisms the authors intended to offer a scientific basis for decision-

makers answers to the major challenges of 2020 Lisbon Agenda.

Keywords: R&D financing, crisis an opportunity for innovation, academy-industry

relations, absorption capacity, responsibility of researchers.

Introduction

The Lisbon Strategy 2000 has had some positive effects on the EU economy but one of its main

targets, i.e. 3% of GDP spent on R&D are not being reached. Total R&D expenditure in the EU,

expressed as a percentage of GDP, only improved marginally (from 1.82% in 2000 to 1.9% in 2008).

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* Scientific Researcher 1st degree, Ph.D., Head of “Economics of R&D” Department in the Institute of

National Economy, Bucharest (e-mail: s_steliana@yahoo.com, sandu.steliana55@yahoo.com).

∗∗ Research Assistant, Ph.D. candidate ,“Economics of R&D” Department in the Institute of National

Economy, Bucharest ( irina_c_anghel@yahoo.com) .