A study has found that the island is not experiencing the “brain drain” seen in other tourist prefectures.
Whilst most tourist areas in the country show a dramatic shortfall in the number of doctorates per 1,000 residents, Crete is the notable exception, having followed a more balanced path of development between tourism and science.
According to the findings of the research carried out by Dr Ioannis Pitas, professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and president of the International Academy for Doctoral Studies in Artificial Intelligence (AIDA), Crete differs significantly from other tourist regions, such as Halkidiki, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, where very few PhD graduates are “produced” and remain.
The research shows that in most tourist regions of Greece, the “easy” and immediate income from tourism acts as a barrier to continuing higher education, as many young people prefer rapid entry into the workforce to the multi-year commitment required for a PhD. Conversely, in the economically weaker regions of the country, higher education is seen as a means of social mobility and a way out of poverty.
Dr Pitas points out that Greek tourism, as it has developed in recent decades, has acted as a deterrent to the development of scientific potential in tourist regions. “Residents of tourist regions are not interested in undertaking long-term study,” he notes, explaining that the need for expertise is mainly met through the internal migration of specialised professionals. The result is that these regions lack a high level of scientific specialisation, despite their significant income. Against this backdrop, Crete stands out as a positive example. As the professor emphasises, the island has followed a more balanced approach, investing in both tourism and science. The presence of the University of Crete, the Technical University of Crete, and ELMEPA and significant research activity has helped the Region to maintain a high standard of education and avoid the “brain drain” observed in other tourist prefectures. In the same context, he notes that the North Aegean Region performs even better than Crete, where the presence of the University of the Aegean and the tradition of education have bolstered the creation and retention of doctoral programmes.
Dr Pitas emphasises that, for the future sustainability of tourist areas, priorities must be reordered with a focus on education. Strengthening scientific knowledge, he says, is not only about long-term development, but also about enhancing the tourism product itself. At the same time, he urges residents and businesses to invest in knowledge themselves, capitalising on the increased economic benefits of tourism.
Source: haniotika-nea.gr