Partnership between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency.
Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences - University of Algiers 3, 11 March 2025.
As part of strengthening the partnership between scientific research and investment, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in coordination with the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency, organised a study day under the theme: "Activating the Higher Education and Scientific Research Sector to Improve the Investment Climate in Algeria".
In his opening speech, Mr Kamel BADDARI, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, affirmed that the Algerian university has become a central engine for economic growth, through scientific research linked to innovation and wealth creation. He highlighted the sector's achievements in 2024, creation of 130 start-ups, 150 micro-enterprises, and registration of 2800 patent applications.
He also emphasised the importance of linking the university to the labour market and transforming scientific research results into real investment opportunities, which supports job creation and strengthens the national economy.
For his part, Mr Omar RAKKACHE, Director-General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency, explained that investment in scientific research is the foundation for achieving technological independence and building a knowledge-based economy. He stressed the importance of bringing economic enterprises closer to universities and scientific research laboratories, which enhances the capacities of the national industry and supports the competitiveness of Algerian companies.
He also expressed the Agency's readiness to support investors wishing to benefit from scientific research outcomes, considering innovation as the driving force of economic development.
In his presentation entitled "Universities and Research Centres : A Lever to Improve the Investment Climate in Algeria", Mr Mohamed BOUHICHA, Director-General of Scientific Research and Technological Development, highlighted the measures and initiatives undertaken by the sector to enhance the role of universities and research centres in attracting investments.
The presentation addressed the sector's major aggregates, including the expansion of the university and research network and the strengthening of human potential. Measures to improve the investment climate were also discussed, such as the creation of university incubators and entrepreneurship development centres, as well as the equipping of university and research establishments.
Mechanisms to enhance the role of university and research establishments were also presented, like enabling investors to benefit from university services, involving them in the coordination committees of research networks, and creating spaces for interaction between start-ups and investors.
The presentation concluded with a discussion on the challenges and stakes, including strengthening the role of higher education establishments in Algeria's development vision, contributing to the national strategy of creating 20,000 start-ups by 2029, and providing funding and land for start-ups.
In her presentation, Mrs MOSTFAÏ Khaoula, Head of Studies representing the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency, discussed the Agency's role in promoting local and foreign investments in the country. She provided an overview of the incentive systems offered by the government to investors, focusing on the principles and guarantees that contribute to attracting investments.
The study day's proceedings were marked by the signing of a framework partnership agreement aimed at promoting investment in scientific research, with the goal of improving the investment climate in Algeria through:
✔️ Strengthening the partnership between universities and economic enterprises.
✔️ Simplifying procedures to support investment in scientific and technological research.
✔️ Establishing incubators and entrepreneurship development centres within universities.
✔️ Supporting and funding innovation-based start-ups.
The study day concluded with a discussion session bringing together representatives from university and research establishments, as well as economic experts, who discussed mechanisms for transforming scientific knowledge into successful investment projects.
The debate focused on enhancing cooperation between researchers and investors, removing obstacles to technology and innovation transfer to the market, exchanging ideas, presenting successful experiences, and proposing solutions to support a knowledge-based economy.
This study day was an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between scientific research and investment, and a call for all stakeholders to work together to achieve a strong and sustainable Algerian economy, based on innovation and knowledge.
