Fostering Knowledge Triangle in Moldova through Education

In a very short time, economic globalization has changed the world economic order, creating new challenges but also new possibilities. Moldova cannot be competitive in this new context, unless it becomes more innovative and more efficiently responds to consumer needs and preferences. Given that remittances and, therefore, consumption are not able to fuel long-term economic growth of Moldova, we need a new development paradigm that involves smart growth based on investment, innovation and competitiveness. This paradigm of economic growth must be placed in the centre of the knowledge triangle. Only by ensuring conditions for the development of all sides of the knowledge triangle can a reliable economic growth be achieved, visibly reducing the gap between our country and European economies and making Moldova a competitive country in Europe in terms of its ability to reform and innovate. In the present article, the main focus is placed on the analysis of the role of the education in fostering the knowledge triangle in the Republic of Moldova, by analysing its framework conditions, achievements and challenges. A special attention is dedicated to the organisation of PhD studies in Moldova, as one of the main achievements of Education to foster the Europeanisation process and increase the interaction with other angles of the knowledge triangle, research and innovation.