Career development of academic staff in the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic: From migration to integration

Abstract

Higher education generates human capital for the economy. It is conceived as a source of competitive advantage for a state, financing its higher education institutions. This chapter evaluates the career development of university academics in Russia and Czechia, considering further globalization of education and academic labor markets processes. A special focus is placed on the opportunities and threats for staffing and stabilizing lecturers. The principal source of future academics in both countries is primarily PhD students and young researchers. Career development depends on the individual's performance and involvement in research projects. The growing emphasis is put on international collaboration, knowledge transfer, and distance education. Higher education institutions in the Czech Republic carry out habilitation procedures and professorship, guaranteeing employment for an indefinite period and higher salaries for academics. However, in the long run, their policies admit inbreeding. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), they implemented the massive transition to online education, not considering lecturers' digital well-being. The Russian Federation also lays emphasis on young scientists and international collaborations. Universities with a special status or universities with a technical bias receive more funding. The salary of a university teacher today can be considered above the national average.