Supporting mobile researchers in industry
Encouraging the mobility of researchers helps industries’ improve their research and development capacities by better staff selection options from a wider pool of talent. There is a European support network for mobile researchers working in academia, but similar resources for those working in industry are less well established. An EU-funded research project, 'European Research Area mobile researchers in industry' (ERA-MIND), looked to build additional support capacity in this area. The two-year initiative, which ended in 2011, built on the existing EURAXESS network for mobile researchers to develop their competences so that industries can employ skilled researchers. ERA-MIND members developed close links with partners from industry to assess their needs and refined their findings into a mapping study report. Project members established a network of end users from a range of industrial sectors to improve communication with the EURAXESS network. In addition, ERA-MIND set up a forum on cooperating with industry to share expertise among service centres in the network. ERA-MIND produced a series of materials to promote the services offered by the EURAXESS network to industry. It also updated the network's training materials based on the study's findings. By improving the support available for mobile researchers and raising awareness among industry, the project should help to stimulate research across Europe. Thus, these efforts can benefit societies by promoting a culture of greater innovation.