Romania’s National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCSI) has been mandated by the government to ensure innovative research and development activities in Romania and to make sure Romanian R&D meets EU and global standards. ANCSI’s goal is to promote R&D which enhances Romania’s reputation for innovative research, meets the most rigorous international standards, supports the country’s sustainable economic development, helps make Romania more internationally competitive, and establishes a knowledge-based society and better quality of life. Dr. Ing. Tudor Prisecaru, a professor and researcher at the Polytechnica University of Bucharest, has been President of ANCSI since 2012. He discusses the Authority’s priorities.
European Times: What role does ANCSI play in Romania’s R&D efforts?
Tudor Prisecaru: The Authority handles strategic and tactical planning of Romania’s research activities; ensures that government policies support the country’s research objectives; contributes to the effort to harmonise Romania’s legislation with that of the EU and the EU acquis; handles communication with other public and private organisations concerning R&D; supports national and regional economic development; fosters international R&D partnerships; and promotes R&D and innovation here in Romania.
European Times: What are your current priorities at ANCSI?
Tudor Prisecaru: One of our main research activities concerns the EU’s Extreme Light Infrastructure project, a complex project in which Romania is one of the key players. A second priority since I have been at ANCSI has been to effectively absorb EU funds, and we have managed to achieve a 120% absorption rate, the highest in the country to date. Many companies in Romania have received R&D funding because of this. We are also committed to transparency in the use of EU funds and we are encouraging all participants to improve their transparency. Our third priority is the Danube International Centre for Advanced Studies for River-Delta-Sea Systems (DANUBIUS) Research Infrastructure project, a flagship EU initiative.
European Times: Why should EU investors target R&D in Romania?
Tudor Prisecaru: Investing in R&D in Romania has enormous potential because this country not only has a long history in prestigious R&D but is also launching many very innovative research projects, including our new “laser valley” initiative, a city of lights. Our ministry will soon present this cutting-edge project to the European Commission. Romania has very high quality equipment and laboratories for R&D. Thanks to Romania’s R&D achievements, we are beginning to attract talented young researchers from other countries, which is a good sign that our R&D activities have a bright future.
