Developing Euro–Algerian collaboration
Since 2002, Algeria and Europe have had an Association Agreement that details scientific and educational reciprocity and partnership. More recent programmes under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) extend the cooperation while developing higher education and research. Such was the context for the EU-funded 'Euro-Algerian research networking' (EARN) project. Running from late 2010 to September 2013, the partnership of nine Algerian and European organisations aimed to improve scientific and technological cooperation. EARN endeavoured to identify suitable Algerian partners, implement NCPs and promote innovation support. Additional objectives included providing key Algerian players with information about opportunities for EU funding while also opening access to European agencies. Work addressed distribution of knowledge and competencies, transfer of good practice and networking. The project also assessed and documented Algeria's strengths and weaknesses affecting participation in the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). A meta-search tool was incorporated into the project's website. The group also drafted a report on the Algerian science and technology system, and inventoried applicable funding schemes. The team drafted a concept paper suggesting improvements to the Algerian NCP system, and 18 NCPs or persons in charge were nominated. The project hosted eight NCP staff training sessions, which included networking opportunities. EARN also ran nine training sessions aimed at the Algerian research community. Discussions about good practice in innovation and technology transfer included innovation support schemes in both Algeria and Europe. Results of the discussion were incorporated into a training session. A delegation of Algerian experts to Germany and France was organised to establish working and learning contacts. EARN also facilitated policy dialogue regarding the identification of scientific issues of mutual interest, and three policy workshops were organised. The meetings focused on technology transfer and innovation, and brought relevant European experts to Algeria. A pilot programme has not yet been implemented but is on the policy agenda. As a result of EARN, European–Algerian scientific and technological partnerships are more active, robust and transparent. Furthermore, Algerian agencies are now better informed about EU funding opportunities.
Keywords
Cooperative research, educational agreements, funding opportunities, National Contact Point, policy discussions, Association Agreement, educational reciprocity, research networking, scientific and technological innovation, technology transfer
