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Croatia Towards the Knowledge-Based Society

The Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted on May 5 2006 the “ Science and Technology Policy of the Republic of Croatia 2006 – 2010” . This strategic document presents a vision of the development of the Science and Technology (S&T) sectors in Croatia, as a base for rapid development and qualitative changes on a way of the transformation of Croatia into a society of knowledge. The main goals of S&T policy are: the increased investment into science, research and development based on the principle of excellence ; their greater impact on society ; restructuring of the science sector ; fostering of the scientific partnerships and support system for outstanding young researchers ; stronger connections of science and industry as well as the establishment of a motivating framework for their joint development ; support of all measures leading to development of technology and innovations ; a more intensive participation of Croatian scientists in the European Union Framework Programs. The Croatian S&T policy was supported by the World Bank through a STP (Science and Technology Program) loan, amounting to 31 mil € , which is currently under implementation. In addition a comprehensive reform of the Croatian educational system is going on by introduction of the Croatian national educational standard (Hrvatski nacionalni obrazovni standard, HNOS) in primary schools ; obligatory secondary school education ; the state maturity exam in high schools ; restructuring of vocational education ; adopting of the law for lifelong (permanent) learning ; implementation of Bologna process in higher education and modernization of postgraduate and doctoral studies as well as application of the external evaluation in education. The reorganization of the universities and research and development institutes are the basis of the new education and science system – a system with ambitions to create Croatia by 2010 as the most competitive scientific and educational society in this part of Europe. By strengthening the existing and establishing new cooperations among education, science, industry and government, we have the goal to achieve for Croatia the status of “ a small country with great knowledge” . The National Foundation for Science, Higher Education and Technological Development, founded in 2001, plays an important role in transforming the science and technology system in Croatia, by promoting the educational, scientific and industrial sectors, ensuring industrial growth and stimulating employment. The Foundation has launched numerous programs aimed at reaching these goals, like programs for strengthening international cooperation and education of scientists, “ brain gain” – the return of Croatian scientists from diaspora to Croatia and/or their participation in Croatian educational and research area, programs on the reforming the higher education system and doctoral studies. The strategic choice for the Republic of Croatia, as a candidate country for membership in the European Union, is increasing investment in science and technology with the goal, as stated in the Lisbon Strategy, to reach 3% of GDP by 2010, of which 2/3 would be coming from the private sector. In order to increase investment in science, especially private sector participation, it is necessary to foster connections between science, industry and government, and perform the required changes in the legal system, through tax policy and new organization of scientific institutions. The first finalized chapter in European Union ascendancy negotiations in June 2006 was Chapter 25, Science and Research, bearing witness to the sound basis of the stated goals, and confirming the status of Croatia as an equal participant in the European Research Area. Successful participation in the European technology project EUREKA and the Sixth Framework Program confirms the excellence and competitiveness of Croatian scientists on the EU level. The Ministry project for repatriation of Croatian scientists has been widely supported by Croatian scientific institutes and universities (25 Croatian scientists have return from abroad and employed at Croatian universities and institutes). All these show that numerous initiatives of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports and other related institutions have positive response and support in the Croatian academic community. Successful implementation of the Science and Technology Policy, as well as changes in the education system, shall have full effect only if supported by efforts of the society as a whole to truly become a “ society based on learning and knowledge” . Therefore, an important role in the development of Croatian society shall be played by citizens prepared for permanent education, which as a factor of personal betterment and social advancement should become a way of living. The impacts already achieved within the education, science and technology systems and the new S&T policy give us driving force for the joint building of Croatia as a society based on learning, knowledge and the application of knowledge.

Croatian S&T policy; society of knowledge; Croatian national educational standard

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