FERM 2024 | Mihai DIMIAN: “We need education and research to create higher value-added products and to support foreign trade”

Panel: “INVESTMENTS”

Module I – Mapping investment opportunities in the Moldova Region in the context of attracting foreign investments and revitalizing foreign trade, 18th Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024

SPEAKER – Mihai DIMIAN, Rector of “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava (USV)

TOPIC: “Investments in higher education, scientific research and technological transfer in the region”

Context and economic developments

Rector Mihai Dimian began by providing historical and personal context, mentioning his study experience in France in 2001. “At that time, the GDP per capita ratio between Romania and France was 1 to 25%. Today, this ratio is 1 to 2 or 1 to 3, which indicates significant progress”. Mihai Dimian praised the efforts and advancements made by Romania during this period and emphasized the importance of equity in development, ensuring that all regions benefit from progress.

Global competition and the importance of human resources

Dimian highlighted the changing global economic landscape, emphasizing that wages in Romania no longer offer a competitive advantage compared to other countries. “Our competitiveness will no longer be determined by low wages but by the quality of the work provided. We must pay close attention to human resource training”. The Rector of USV stressed the need for quality education and advanced research to maintain Romania’s competitive edge in the global market.

Challenges in revitalizing foreign trade

Another important aspect addressed by Rector Dimian was the support needed for Romanian firms in the context of foreign trade. “We must support Romanian firms and learn from past mistakes to accelerate the development process”. Mihai Dimian mentioned the challenges faced by Romanian companies in equipment production and the need to develop higher value-added products.

The role of education and research

Rector Dimian emphasized the importance of investments in education and research for Romania’s economic development. “We need education and research to create higher value-added products and to support foreign trade.”

The Rector of the Suceava University highlighted that Romania allocates only 0.25% of its GDP to research, compared to an average of 2% in the European Union, underscoring the need for greater investments in this area.

In conclusion, Mihai Dimian stressed that the future of economic development in the Moldova Region largely depends on investments in education and research. These investments will enable the creation of competitive products and support foreign trade, thus contributing to the sustainable economic development of the region and the country as a whole.