Analyzing Work from Graduates of the Marie Curie Alumni Association as a Tool for EU Collaboration with National Scientific Expatriate Communities

Abstract

Introduction. One of the key distinctive features of modern science is its global nature, which has resulted in high levels of transnational academic mobility and international competition for talent among countries and universities. Programs that support academic mobility and alumni associations play an important role among the primary engines of that competitiveness. The study reviews the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) as instruments of the European Union for cooperation with national scientific expatriate communities. Methods. The study uses the historical method and analyzes trends in the development of the MSCA program and the MCAA. The study includes systematic and functional analyses of the MSCA and MCAA. The analysis is based on official reports of the European Commission on the results of the MSCA program as well as information from the official websites of the MSCA and the European Commission. Results and Discussion. The study reviews the structure of the MSCA program, the key tasks, and objectives of its subprograms as well as their effectiveness. The study analyzes the structure and functions of the MSCA and determines the role of MSCA and MSAA in the international research system. The program’s increased levels of funding and supported projects, the emergence of subprograms aimed at various groups of scientists and industry representatives, the decline in canceled projects, and positive reviews from program participants are all proof of the MSCA’s strong results and positive dynamics. MCAA has also proven itself as a useful tool for international scientific cooperation, the establishment of international research networks, and dialog between the scientific community, universities, and national governments. Conclusion. The study concludes that Russia would highly benefit from an organization similar to the MCAA. These establishments present key opportunities to attract leading scientists into university positions and jobs at innovative companies throughout the country. The association can be utilized as a social elevator for young and talented scientists to create international research networks and contribute to the development of international scientific cooperation. At the same time, MCAA is autonomous and does not require national funding.