President Iohannis says number of graduates dropped; economy's need for specialists not properly covered

The number of students declined due to the demographic decline, President Klaus Iohannis stated on Thursday, adding that, at the moment, the Romanian economy's need for specialists is not properly covered by graduates. 

"Because of the demographic decline, the number of graduates dropped, which is the more concerning as the rate of youngsters who manage to complete university studies ranks us last in the European Union. At the moment, the Romanian economy's need for specialists is not properly covered by graduates and there is no clear record of their insertion in the labour market," Iohannis stated at the event occasioned by the 200 anniversary of University Politehnica of Bucharest. 

According to the head of state, some universities initiated mapping projects of the labour market needs, but it is also necessary that the relation between society, economy and academia be assessed based on some long and medium term studies, that would go beyond the immediate interest. 

He mentioned that universities should focus their efforts on developing some well funded research centres, with qualified personnel and with international recognition that would attract talents around the world. 

According to the head of state, the universities are "the keystone of the Romanian educational ecosystem."

Furthermore, the President brought to mind that he initiated the project called "Educated Romania," whose results will be released soon. 

Prior to attending the 200th anniversary of University Politehnica of Bucharest, President Iohannis had a meeting with members of the Permanent Bureau of the National Council of Rectors. Afterwards, the head of state visited the Center for Advanced Research on Innovative Materials, Products and Processes of University Politehnica of Bucharest.

AGERPRES