Science Administration and Research Evaluation in Moldova

Abstract

The article discusses the issue of research projects evaluation in Moldova and features evolvement of the government administration system in the science and innovation field. A detailed description of the reforms in R&D administration in the 1990s (after Moldova acquired independence), as well as in 2004 and 2017 is given. It is highlighted that the National Agency for Research and Development (NARD) was created in 2018 as the central administrative body under the Government of the Republic of Moldova. NARD is the successor of the rights and obligations of the Centre for International Projects, the Agency for Innovation and Technology Transfer and the Agency for Research and Development, i.e. the state institutions that were previously part of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM). The status and administrative functions of ASM have significantly changed. NARD is responsible for the implementation of research and innovation policy, EU Framework Programme for Research, Innovation Horizon 2020 and other European programs, as well as for the coordination of the Moldovan Office for Science and Technology in Brussels. Extensive statistical and factual data on organization and performance of the Moldovan research and innovation system is provided: the evolution of the domestic research management system throughout 1990—2016, R&D funding in 1996—2023 and the structure of R&D expenditure in 2023, participation of domestic research institutions in EU projects in 2007—2015, evaluation criteria for research projects, innovation projects, technology transfer projects, and innovation vouchers, research papers published by domestic authors in 2000—2016, procedures for project funding and evaluation of reports on project implementation (until 2018, 2019—2023, after 2024), researchers’ publications in Scopus journals in 2004—2023. The importance of the participation of Moldovan researchers in European support programs and international cooperation is emphasized. Changes in the functions of organizations responsible for accreditation and certification of institutions after 2017 are described.