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The Changing Landscape in North Africa:

The Future of Scientifique Cooperation

Prof. Jelel Ezzine

Tunisian Association for the Advancement of Science, Technology and Innovation (TAASTI)

AAAS-Casablance/MoroccoMay 18-19, 2013

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How did we end up where we are?

• Pure Revolution,

• Freedom and Dignity as drivers,

• ICTs as facilitators,

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Change via Chaos!

• Struggle for power and social models,

• Frail statehood and lack of security,

• Collapsing economy and deteriorating national image.

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A rising Sun behind dark clouds

• Extreme vigilance of the (civil) society,

• Swift learning of the political game,

• Substantial wins especially the constitution-to-be.

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International Cooperation(Key partners)

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“A number of countries are challenging the traditional scientific superpowers,” said Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith of Oxford university, who chaired the study team.

Among smaller countries, the Royal Society report singles out Tunisia, where R&D spending rose from 0.03 per cent of GDP in 1996 to 1.25 per cent in 2009. Its priority is life sciences and medicine – with an official aim to increase pharmaceutical exports five-fold within five years.Although the study does not cover the impact of the recent overthrow of Arab autocrats, such as … of Tunisia, Sir Chris said: “I would expect it to have a good influence on science.”

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International Biosecurity: Engagement between American and MENA Scientists

Judi Sture

Bio-engagement as a development activity,

not a security endeavour

The education of, and awareness-raising activities among, MENA scientists and science educators should be considered as a long term development activity rather than as a threat reduction enterprise. To consider engagement between the US and counterparts overseas, from any region, from the perspective of defence, is to immediately cast the overseas partner(s) as a potential threat, thereby imposing an unequal and hierarchical nature upon the relationship. Indeed, …

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A Win-Win Cooperation Mind Set!

• Partnership,

• Co-ownership,

• Co-design,

•Thank You.