Academic researchers on the 2013 reforms of the Croatian science policy: A critical analysis

Abstract

Croatian Government has launched a series of reforms of the scientific system in 2013 aiming to increase its excellence and international competitiveness. In order to examine the achievements of these reforms, our research tried to explore how scientists perceived changes in the structure of the scientific research system four years after the new system was introduced. The research was conducted in two phases, using qualitative and quantitative methods, on a purposive quota sample according to scientific disciplines, institutions and scientific grades. The results suggest that the reforms have resulted in certain organizational advancements, and with a shift towards greater competitiveness in the research community, but at the same time they produced a number of unintended consequences, like endangering financial sustainability of research, transparency and openness of the scientific system. It is therefore reasonable to ask whether another change of direction of the Croatian science policy is needed.