Tunisia Research System

8/16/2019 Tunisia Research System

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THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA

Mziwandile Madikizela

High Impact Innovation, Johannesburg

List of abbreviations

Ministry of Scientific Research Technology and Competency Development MSRTDC

Institute for Agricultural Research and IRESA

Scientific Research and Technology Innovation System SRTIS

Public Research Institute PRI

Public Health Institute PHI

Tunisian Dinar TD

Federal Research Programme FRPProgramme of Innovation and Research Development PIRD

Valorisation of Research Results VRR

Technology Achievement Index TAI

Section 1: The political environment

Tunisia is a republic with a strongpresidential system dominated by asingle political party. The ruling party,the Constitutional Democratic Assembly

(RCD), was the sole legal party for 25years, when it was known as theSocialist Destourian Party (PSD)-andstill dominates political life. ThePresident is elected to 5-year terms andappoints a Prime Minister and cabinet,who play a strong role in the executionof policy. The central government alsoappoints regional governors and localadministrators; largely consultativemayors and municipal councils areelected. There is a unicamerallegislative body, the Chamber ofDeputies, which has 182 seats, 20% ofwhich are reserved for the opposition. Itplays a growing role as an arena fordebate on national policy but neveroriginates legislation and virtuallyalways passes bills presented by theexecutive with only minor changes.


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Tunisia is a leader in the Arab world in promoting the legal and social status of women. APersonal Status Code was adopted shortly after independence in 1956 that, among otherthings, gave women full legal status and outlawed polygamy. The government requiredparents to send girls to school, and today more than 50% of university students are women.Rights of women and children were further enhanced by 1993 reforms, which included aprovision to allow Tunisian women to transmit citizenship even if they are married to a

foreigner and living abroad. The government has supported a remarkably successful familyplanning program that has reduced the population growth rate to just over 1% per annum,contributing to Tunisia's economic and social stability.

Section 2: Country characteristics

2.1 Basic economic outlook

Tunisia is continuing to make major progress in terms of economic and social development.The prudent macroeconomic policies initiated in recent years have allowed inflation and thebudget deficit to be stabilized and economic aggregates to be consolidated. The high level ofeducation of its labour force, its proximity to the European market and its social andinstitutional stability are advantages that should enable Tunisia to develop new activities,

notably in the service sector. The process of price liberalisation and abandonment ofsubsidies is slow, however. At international level, integration of the Tunisian economy posesseveral problems in terms of competitiveness and adaptability. With the end of the Multi-FibreAgreement in January 2005 and the numerous free trade agreements it has signed, thecountry risks feeling the full force of the impact of its openness to international competition.The difficulties currently being expressed by its main export industry – textiles and clothing –highlight its need to find new sources of growth, capable of generating jobs. The high level ofunemployment (13.9 percent in 2004), particularly among qualified young higher educationgraduates, is also a major challenge for political leaders. Finally, numerous structural reformsare needed to reinforce transport infrastructure. To respond to these issues, and to integrateinto an ever more competitive world market, Tunisia needs to improve its business andprivate sector investment climate, put greater emphasis on governance and reducebureaucracy. The recovery of the Tunisian economy was confirmed in 2004 thanks to the

pursuit of sound macroeconomic policies. GDP growth improved, rising from 5.5 percent in2004 to 5.6 percent in 2005. Forecasts for 2006 and 2007 put real GDP growth at 5.3 and 5.5percent respectively.

Figure 2: GDP growth between 2000 and 2005 for Tunisia

GDP growth

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Years

% G D P g r o w t h

Series1

Source: OECD African Outlook Report


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Table 1: Selected economic Indicators of Tunisia

BASIC ECONOMIC DATA

GDP (PPP) $82.85 billion (2005 est.)

GDP-real Growth rate 4.2% (2005 est.)

GDP per capita $8,200 (2005 est.)

Inflation Rate 2.1% (2005 est.)

GDP composition per sector

agriculture

industry

services

13.2%

31.8%

55% (2005 est.)

Source: Compiled from CIA Fact Sheet

2.2 Demographic characteristics

Table 2: Summary of geographic and demographic characteristics of Tunisia

GEOGRAPHY

Area total: 163,610 sq km; land: 155,360 sq km: water: 8,250 sq km

Cities Tunis, Capital 1.8 million inhabitants, including suburbs)

Other large cities: Sfax (231,000), Arianna (153,000), Gabès (139,000),Sousse (125,000), Kairouan (103,000)

Climate temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert insouth

PEOPLE

Nationality Tunisian(s) Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1

Population 10,175,014 (July 2006 est).

Religions Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Language Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Literacy total population: 74.3%; male: 83.4%; female: 65.3% (2004 est)

Health(life expectancy) 75.12 years

Workforce 3.41 million Agriculture-80%, Industry, commerce, government-20%

Source: CIA Fact Sheet


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Section 3: Science and Technology System

3.1 Governance of science and technology

3.1.1 The National Science and Technology policy of Tunisia

The creation of MSRTCD represented an essential turning point for the promotion of the R&Dsector. In this context, the objectives of the scientific research and technological innovationsystem (SRTIS) are:

• To reinforce coordination between different components of SRTIS in order tocreate the necessary synergy to build enduring competencies and to ensure amore sustained financial support to the sector;

• To continue the structuring of the SRTIS through the establishment of newresearch centres, laboratories and research units

• To promote competency development, or capacity building, as an importantfactor to consolidate the SRTIS as well as an efficient way towards innovationand technological transfer;

• To increase progressively internal expenditure allocated to the research system

reaching 1,25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2009, while ensuringdiversity of financial resources allocated by reducing progressively the Statecontribution and reinforcing those of the private sector and internationalcooperation;

• To facilitate the execution of research programs in laboratories and researchunits through more flexibility of procedures in spending funds allocated toscientific activities;

• To increase efforts through Federative Research Programs;

• To promote innovation and technological development through the support ofinnovative companies, the valorisation of research results, the reinforcement ofpartnership between research structures and private companies and the creation

of technoparks and incubators;• To reinforce the follow up and the evaluation of research activities and

structures;

• To develop a high level national expertise in the strategic fields for thedevelopment and the safety of the country;

• To promote scientific and technological culture and information throughdevelopment of information networks and the improvement of accessibility todatabases and documentation centres at the national and international levels;

• To develop international cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels inorder to facilitate the exchange of experiences between Tunisian research teamsand other partners, to access international scientific excellence networks, to

benefit from international research financing, and to contribute to universalscientific and technological progress.


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3.1.2 Institutional Arrangements

3.1.2.1 Ministry of Scientific Research, Technology and CompetencyDevelopment (MSRTCD)

The Ministry of Scientific Research, Technology and Competency Development (MSRTCD) isin charge of formulating the national policy and strategy in the field of scientific research and

technological development, as well as its execution in collaboration with concerned ministriesand has the following mandate:

• Drafting and following up of plans, implementation strategies, and thedetermination of priorities and programs in the scientific research, technologicalinnovation and competency development sector;

• Management of financial resources coming from public and private sectors andfrom international cooperation to the benefit of the scientific research;

• Proposing appropriate mechanisms for an optimal use of scientific equipmentswithin the framework of partnership conventions with production structures;

• Spreading the culture of intellectual property and patents among researchersand inventors;

• Preparing strategies for international cooperation and follow up of internationalagreements;

• Involvement of Tunisian scientific competencies abroad in the determination,execution and evaluation of research programs

Management, evaluation and coordinating structures

The Management, evaluation and co-ordinating as well as their roles and responsibilities areas follows:

• The Higher council of scientific research and technology

• The Higher Council of Scientific Research and Technology (chaired by the PrimeMinister) is in charge of following up and evaluating the sector, elaboratingrecommendations on the general orientation of the scientific research andtechnological innovation and proposing new measures leading to the promotionof scientific research and technological development.

• National consultative council of scientific research and technology

• The National Consultative Council of Scientific Research and Technologyformulates proposals concerning matters in the field of Scientific Research,Technology and Competency Development which are in relation with importantnational orientations and major strategic programs of the country

• National evaluation committee of scientific research activities

• The National Evaluation Committee of Scientific Research Activities is anindependent body in charge of the evaluation of public scientific researchstructures and activities as well as private sector research programs benefitingfrom a public funding.

• The Committee defines the criteria, the methods and the suitable procedures ofevaluation within the framework of its mission. For each evaluation, thecommittee puts forward recommendations aiming at increasing efficiency andadequacy between allocated means and achieved results.

• Technical committee of scientific research and technology

• The Technical Committee of Scientific Research and Technology providescoordination between the different ministries, in the follow-up of the progress ofthe execution of the research programs and their financing and in the preparationof the works of the Higher Council of Scientific Research and Technology.


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3.1.2.2 The Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture, environment and water resources coordinates agriculturalresearch and higher education through the Institute for Agricultural Research and AgriculturalHigher Education (IRESA). IRESA insures both financial and administrative management for

its research centres.3.1.2.3 Other Ministries

Other ministries have recently created research institutions each in its field of interest. TheMinistry of Education cooperates with MSRTCD especially in human capital development andin the technoparks.

Figure 3: Simplified Illustration of the institutional arrangements in S&Tin Tunisia

Office of the Presidency

Ministry of Scientific Research,Technology and Competency

Development

The higher council ofscientific research and

technology

National consultativecouncil of scientific

research and technology

Technical committee of scientificresearch and technology

National evaluation committee ofscientific research activities


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3.1.3 National priorities

The priorities of the national R&D system are outlined as follows:

• The reinforcement of coordination between the different components of thenational R&D system in order to generate the necessary synergies for a betterdevelopment of competencies and financial as well as technical means made

available to the sector.• The completion of structuring of the national R&D system through the

organisation of public research establishments and continuing with theimplementation of laboratories and research units within the different institutions

• The development of human capital and means to ensure the promotion oftransferof technology will be achieved through the encouragement of doctoral and post-doctoral training.

• The implementation of Federated Research Programmes (FRP) resulting fromnational priorities and allowing the grouping and optimal development of nationalcompetencies. These programmes will cover promising research trends namely

the fields of applied biotechnologies, new information and communicationtechnologies, and renewable energies.

• The promotion of innovation and technological development by supportinginnovative firms and strengthening partnership between research structures andfirms, and giving birth to an ambitious programme for the setting-up oftechnoparks and incubators.

• The follow-up and evaluation of activities and research programmes through theimplementation of a national four-step evaluation system.

• The development of a high-level national expertise in strategic fields related tothe development and the security of the country.

• The promotion of information and the scientific and technological culture through

the development of exchange networks for the free movement of information,and access to data banks and documentation centres, on the national as well asinternational level.

• The development of bilateral as well as multilateral international cooperation inorder to allow Tunisian research teams to exchange their experiences with otherpartners, access to scientific centres of excellence on a world level, benefit frominternational financing for research and take part in the world progress of scienceand technology.

The national research priorities concern primarily the fields of:

• Biotechnology,

• Water management,

• Energy,

• Environment,

• Fight against desertification,

• Microelectronics,

• Nanotechnology,

• Health,

• Environment and social sciences,

• ICT


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3.2 Science and technology landscape

In 1996, the new law on scientific research and technological development resulted insignificant restructuring of the National R&D System through the creation of researchlaboratories and units in Public Research Institutions, Public Health Institutions and Higher

Education and Research Institutions. The orientation law on scientific research andtechnological development, dated January 1996, and its application decrees, facilitated therestructuring of the National R&D System through the creation of research laboratories andunits in Public Research Institutions (PRI), Public Health Institutions (PHI) and HigherEducation and Research Institutions.

3.2.1 R&D Performing Institutes

3.2.1.1 Basic research structures: research laboratories and units

Restructuring Scientific Research and Technological Innovation System contributed to thecreation of 139 research laboratories and 624 research units. The distribution of theseresearch laboratories and units between major fields is shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Distribution of research laboratories by field

FIELD NUMBER OF LABORATORIES %

Social and Human Sciences 6 4

Juridical and Economic Sciences 14 10

Exact Sciences 37 27

Life and Biotechnological Sciences 72 52

Engineering Sciences 10 7

Total 139 100

Source: MRSTDC website

3.2.1.2 Public Research Institutions (PRI)

Tunisia has 31 research institutions in different sectors of social and economic activity. Thelist of PRI is shown in Table 4.


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Table 4: Distribution of Public Research Institutions by Ministries

INSTITUTION YEAR OFCREATION

MINISTRY OF SUPERVISION

National Marine Sciences and TechnologiesInstitute

1924

Economic and Social Research and Studies Centre 1962

Arid Regions Institute 1976

National Academic Centre of Scientific andTechnical Documentation

1978

Biotechnology Centre of Sfax 1983

National Technological and Nuclear Sciences

Centre

1993

National Physical-chemical Analysis and ResearchInstitute

1995

Water Technologies and Research Centre 2005

Energy Technologies and Research Centre 2005

Biotechnology Centre of Borj Cedria 2005

Ministry of Scientific Research,Technology and CompetencyDevelopment

Centre for Research on Materials Science 2006

National Agronomic Research Institute of Tunis 1914

Veterinary Research Institute of Tunis 1970

Olive Tree Institute 1981

National Research Institute on Rural Engineering,Water and Forests

1996

Ministry of Agriculture andHydraulic resources

Centre for Research and Studies on CivilizationsDialogue and Compared Religions

2005


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Table 4 Continued

INSTITUTION YEAR OFCREATION

MINISTRY OF SUPERVISION

Pasteur Institute of Tunis 1893

National Food Technology and Nutrition Institute 1969

Salah Azaiez Institute 1969

National Neurological Institute 1974

National Radioprotection Centre 1982

Ministry of Public Health

National Movement History Higher Institute 1989

Kairouan Islamic Studies Centre 1990

Ministry of Higher Education

Telecommunication Research and Studies Centre 1988 Ministry of CommunicationTechnologies

Women Information and Documentation Studiesand Research Centre

1990 Ministry of Women Affairs,Family, Childhood and OldPersons

National Remote Sensing Centre 1988 Ministry of National Defence

Juridical and Legal Studies Centre 1993 Ministry of Justice and HumanRights

National Heritage Institute 1957 Ministry of Culture and HeritageProtection

Labour Health and Security Institute 1991

Social Security Research and Studies Centre 1996

Ministry of Social Affairs,Solidarity and Tunisians Abroad

Tunis International Environment TechnologiesCentre

1996 Ministry of Environment andSustainable Development



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3.2.1.3 Technoparks/Centres of Excellence

Technoparks (table 5) have been established for development through technologicalinnovation. The objective is to create a “park for excellence” or a “specialized excellency park”settled in a space of territorial and relational proximity, where researchers, academicians,executives and senior managers closely cooperate to find appropriate solutions to marketneeds. Tunisia also has a number of operational technoparks in various fields and most ofthese are still under development. All technoparks include: a production area (relayworkshops and industrial park), a technological innovation area (firm incubator andtechnological resources centre),a university park (Higher education institutions having closefields with the specializations of the technopark),a research park (public and private researchcentres in fields of relevance to the activities of the technopark),a shared services area (accommodation, leisure spaces, health services, banks, conveniences stores etc.).

Table 5: Established Technoparks

TECHNO PARKS SPECIALTY AREA

Borj Cedria - Water and Environment,

- Renewable Energy,

- Plant Biotechnology

- Materials Science.

89ha

Sidi Thabet Medical Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industry. 92ha

Sousse - Microelectronics; Mechanics, and Nanotechnologies,

- IT.60ha

Sfax Informatics and Multimedia 60ha

Monastir Textile and clothing 100ha

Bizerte Food industries 87ha


Planned technoparks and their areas of focus include the following:

• Mednine: Desert resources,

• Jendouba: Forest products valorisation, (among other activities to be

determined),• Gafsa: Phosphates (among other activities to be determined),

• Gammarth: Cinema industry (this technopark is the first to be entirely financedand run by the private sector),

• The Marine technologies network: Aquaculture, Biotechnology, Biodiversity andmarine Environment.


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3.2.1.4 Higher Education Sector

Tunisia has 178 institutions of higher education, among them 24 Higher Institutes ofTechnological Studies (ISET). In total, there are 13 universities listed in Table 6.

Table 6: List of major universities in Tunisia

UNIVERSITY

Virtual University

Ezzitouna University

Manouba University

Tunis University

Tunis El Manar University

University of 7-November at Carthage

Jendouba University

Sousse University

Sfax University

Gabes University

Kairouan University

Monastir University

Gafsa University

3.2.1.5 Agricultural Research Institutes

Agricultural research is well established in Tunisia and its origins go back to the beginning ofthe century. Initially limited to the cereal sector, it progressively diversified after the SecondWorld War, and especially after independence. Over the last 30 years, agricultural researchinstitutions have benefited from generous financial resources that have enabled them tocreate new laboratories, to reinforce priority activities, to diversify its objectives takingdevelopment imperatives into account. Appreciable results in numerous fields such ascereals, arboriculture, vegetable cultivation, irrigation, sheep breeding and range

development have been achieved. New research establishments have been created in theregions, and specialized regional centres have been set up by existing institutes to bringtogether research activities in production and agriculture zones. Despite these efforts,agricultural research continues to come up against serious difficulties, such as the lackof researchers and their over mobility, the non-existence of a planning, programming andevaluation system and the lack of coordination at a national level. In Tunisia, researchis divided up amongst numerous institutes (table 8), organizations and services that comeunder the Ministry of Agriculture. Other establishments that come under the Ministry ofHigher, Education and Scientific Research also undertake research projects that are directlylinked to agriculture.

The major agricultural research institutions are listed in Table 7.


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Table 7: Major agricultural research institutions

CATEGORY SUPERVISING AGENCY NAME OF INSTITUTE RESEARCHFOCUS

Institut National de la RecherchéAgronomique de Tunisie (INRAT)

Crops,livestock

Institut National pour la Recherché enGénie Rural, Eaux et Forêt (INRGREF)

Naturalresources

Institut de l’Olivier de Sfax (IO Sfax) Olives

Institution de la Recherchéet de l’EnseignementSupérieur Agricoles(IRESA)

Institut de Recherché Vétérinaire deTunisie (IRVT)

Livestock

Institut National des Sciences etTechnologies de la Mer (INSTM)

Fisheries

Institut des Régions Arides (IRA) Soil

Ministère de la RecherchéScientifique, de la

Technologie et duDéveloppement desCompétences (MRSTDC)

Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax (CBS) Crops

Government

Ministère de la SantéPublique (MSP)

Institut National de Nutrition et de laTechnologie Alimentaire (INNTA)

Crops

Institut National Agronomique de Tunis(INAT)

École Nationale de MédecineVétérinaire (ENMV)

École Supérieure d’Horticulture etd’Élevage de Chott-Mariem (ESHE)

École Supérieure d’Agriculture deMograne (ESAMo)

École Supérieure d’Agriculture deMateur (ESAMa)

École Supérieure des Ingénieurs et del’Équipement Rural de Medjez El-Bab(ESIERM)

École Supérieure d’Agriculture du Kef(ESAK)

École Supérieure des IndustriesAlimentaires de Tunis (ESIAT),

Highereducation

Institution de la Recherchéet de l’EnseignementSupérieur Agricoles(IRESA)

Institut Sylvo-Pastoral de Tarbaka(ISPT).

Source: ASTI Country Briefs, March 2004


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3.2.1.6 Medical and Health Research Institutes

Tunisia with its strong research infrastructure has made advances in medical research inareas such as genetic counselling, cytogenetics, and diagnosis of genetic diseases, alongwith regulation and legislation. The main institutions involved in medical and health researchare the Pasteur Institute, The National Institute for Nutrition and Food Technology andRadiation Protection Centre.

The most well known institute, The Pasteur Institute founded in 1893 and forms part of theinternational Pasteur Institutes of France, conducts medical research in Tunis and covers thefollowing areas:

• Parasitology: leishmaniasis and theileris

• Poliomyelitis

• Toxins and venoms soft scorpions

• Tuberculosis, molecular epidemiology:

• Hepatitis viruses, pathology and virology

• Research in the medical and health fields takes place essentially at universityhospitals

3.3 Human capital for S&T

3.3.1 Masters and doctoral enrolments

The post graduate schools, 16 in 2003-2004, play a central role in the development ofcompetences according to national economic needs' for a better development. The structuresof research belonging to the national system of scientific research and technology, take partin the training of the young researchers in various specialities.

Table 8: Masters and Doctoral Enrolment

PhD students in thelaboratories andresearch uni ts

Second year studentsin Masters degree inlaboratories and units

laboratories andunits budget (inDT)

Average budgetby student

(in DT)

2003 2281 2134 15975800 3614

2004 3527 2961 21708000 3346

Total 5808 5095 37683800 3456


3.3.2 Scientific Research Workforce

Human resources in the scientific research sector represent meadows of 23000 researchersinto 2004 who devote their time partly or entirely to the research tasks. What corresponds to12950 researchers while being full time equivalent (FTE) distributed in the following way.


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Table 9: Scientif ic workforce between 2003 and 2004

Researchers Number (physical person) Researchers Number (FTE)

2003 2004 % growth 2003 2004 % growth

Full time researchers 635 672 6 635 672 6

Part time researchers 11671 13216 13 4006 4539 13

Students 7744 8957 16 6624 7739 17

Total 20050 22845 14 11265 12950 15

Source: MRSTDC

Figure 4: Distr ibut ion of the researchers by category (FTE) in 2004

Distribution of Researchers

5

60

35

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

F u l l t i m

e

R e s e a r c h e r s

S t u d e n t s

P a r t - t i m

e

R e s e a c h e r s

Category

P e r c e n a t a g e

Series1

Series2

Series3

Source: MRSTDC

3.3.3 Human and institutional capacity development strategies

Offering good working conditions to the researchers is one of the principal objectives of theMinistry. Within this framework, it was decided to create adequate spaces, to provide the

necessary equipment, and to recruit the personnel of support to make it possible to theresearchers to effectively devote themselves to their research tasks. The rate of equipment ofthe researchers by the computers knew a good evolution especially in the structures ofresearch where the objective is to have a computer by researcher. The number of contractualassistants among the postgraduate students having quite advanced in their theses alsorecorded a significant increase. The contracts can relate to either an activity of full-timeteaching or part-time, or an activity of research full-time in a laboratory or a unit rising or of ahigher educational establishment, or of an establishment of research.


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3.4 Research and development funding

3.4.1 Gross expenditure on R&D

The scientific research sector and technology knew has experienced a continuous increase inequipments that are allocated to it. Those come primarily from the budget of the State (92 %between 1992 and 2000), but also of the companies which finance certain activities of

research and technological innovation (5 %), and of the resources resulting from the bilateralinternational co-operation and multilateral (3%). The contribution of the private sector is veryweak in comparison to the developed countries (in general higher than 60%). Thus, thefinancial resources devoted to the research sector recorded a considerable growth during theperiod 2001-2004 passing from 153 MD to 350 MD (32 % of average annual growth).

The share of research expenditures in the GDP increased passing from 0.53% in 2001 to 1%in 2004. This percentage is close to those of the countries of the South of Europe such asItaly (1.05 %), Spain (0.96 %) and Portugal (0.83 %) in 2001. Within the framework of thediversification of the sources of financing and especially those coming from the economicsector and the international co-operation, it was envisaged to increase the privateparticipation so that it reaches 31 % in 2009.

Table 10: Evolution of GERD/GDP (2000-2009)

Year GERD/GDP % Public Expenditu re % International Cooperation and Business Sector

2000 0.45 91 9

2001 0.53 88 12

2002 0.63 86 14

2003 0.73 83 17

2004 1 78 22

2005 1.02 75 25

2006 1.07 73 27

2007 1.13 72 28

2008 1.19 70 29

2009 1.25 69 31

Source: Compiled from MRSTDC (blue text denotes estimates)


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Figure 5: Research intensity of Tunisia

Rese arch Intensity

0

0.5

1

1.5

2 0 0 0

2 0 0 1

2 0 0 2

2 0 0 3

2 0 0 4

2 0 0 5

2 0 0 6

2 0 0 7

2 0 0 8

2 0 0 9

Year

G E R D / G D P

GERD/GDP %

The following diagram shows the distribution of the horizontal budget of scientificresearch by government departments.

Figure 6: Distribution of Research Funds by government Departments

MHE &MSRTDC

70%

MAEHR9%

MPH14%

Others7%

Sources MHE & MSRTDC: Ministry For The Higher Education And Ministry For The Scientific Research, TheTechnology And The Development Of Competences.

MAEHR: Ministry for Agriculture, the Environment and Hydraulic Resources

MPH: Ministry for the Public Health


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3.5 Research outputs

3.5.1 Publications

Over the period 1994-2004, the number of scientific publications from Tunisia is estimated tobe 5 273 between 1994 and 2004 according to the ISI database. In world terms, this output issmall and it masks the strong science base that exists in this country. The chart in

Figure shows that the number of publications has been increasing steadily during this periodexcept for the decline in 2003. This performance indicates an overall improvement of theresearch infrastructure.

Figure 7: Number of scientific publications per year.

Number o f Publications per Year

24

181 173

310439

521 566

671748

470

836

0

100

200

300

400500

600

700

800

900

1 9 9 4

1 9 9 5

1 9 9 6

1 9 9 7

1 9 9 8

1 9 9 9

2 0 0 0

2 0 0 1

2 0 0 2

2 0 0 3

2 0 0 4

Year

N u m b e r o f P u

b l i a t i o n s

Series1

The largest sources of scientific publications are the academic institutions. Within theuniversity sector, three universities - University of Tunis, Sfax University and Monastiruniversity contributed most of the total university publications indicating a dominance of theseinstitutions as centres of science. The University of Tunisia is the largest contributor as shown(see Figure 8) followed by Sfax University and Monastir Universities.


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Figure 8: Publication activity of Tunisian Universities

Number of publications

1913

929810

24683 72 17 16 14 12 0 0

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

2200

Tunis

University

Sfax

University

Monastir

University

Sousse

University

Tunis El

Manar

University

Gabes

University

University

of 7-

November

at

Carthage

Kairouan

University

Manouba

University

Gafsa

University

Ezzitouna

University

Jendoub

Universit

Universities


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Among the major research institute, the Pasteur Institute is the main producer as shown in networkthat originated from France and clearly benefits from this association.

Table 11: Publications output of research instit utes

Agriculture:

The National Agronomic Research Institute 3

The Centre for Rural Engineering Research 20

The Arid Areas Institute 7

The National Oceanography and Fishery Institute 1

The Veterinary Research Institute 0

The Olive Institute 1

The National Aquaculture Centre 1

TOTAL 33

Health

The Pasteur Institute 234

The National Institute for Nutrition and Food Technology 0

Radiation Protection Centre 0

TOTAL 234

Other 775

3.5.1.1 International collaboration 1994-2004

Analysis of the publications data 1994-2004 shows that Tunisian institutions collaborate mainly withFrance (1 862 co authored articles). The USA (160) is a distant in terms of collaborations followed byItaly (82). Further analysis of the collaborations shows that most are with countries that are in theEuropean region followed by the North American region. The analysis also revealed that there islimited collaboration with Sub-Saharan Countries compared to Arab and North African countries. Onlysix collaborations were recorded with South African institutions.


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Table 12: International Co-operation in Research 1

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ARAB AND NORTH AFRICA

Country Number of collaborations Country Number of collaborations

France 1862 Morocco 57

Spain 48 Algeria 26

Portugal 10 Jordan 7

Italy 82 Egypt 13

Greece 6 Syria 5

Turkey 13 OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Germany 70 Country Number of collaborations

Norway 5 South Africa 6

England 62 Senegal 14

Belgium 71

AMERICAN NATIONS ASIAN COUNTRIES

Country Number of collaborations Country Number of collaborations

USA 160 Japan 34

Canada 66 India 13

3.5.2 Patents

The number of patents registered with the USPTO between 2000 and 2004 was only two that isnegligible. Tunisia is a member of WIPO.

Table 13: Patents granted to Tunisia between 2000 and 2004

Class Title 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Total

Utility 0 0 0 1 0 1

0 1 0 1 0 1

ALL CLASSES 0 1 0 10 2

Source: USPTO

1 Country analysis not exhaustive


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3.5.3 High eechnology exports

According to the World Development Indicators of 2000, high technology exports constituted 11% ofthe manufacturing products.

3.5.4 Recent technological development and emerging technologies

3.5.4.1 Federative Research Programs (FRP)

Federative Research programs have been initiated in order to address development issues puttingtogether all concerned stakeholders (research teams, universities, industries and public institutions).These programs are financed through multi-annual agreements, which define projects’ structures,objectives and expected results, human and material resources to be mobilized as well as follow-upand evaluation procedures.

Table 14: Federative research programs in progress

Programs Components

Renewable Energy

2003-2006

Projects: 5 projects are in progress for the period 2003-2006:

- Solar water heating,

- Development of innovative processes for solar cooling,

- Individual air conditioning using natural gas,

- Analysis of recent technologies of Aeolian energy for local production,

- Development of an Aeolian energy production model.

Human resources: 22 research groups from public and private institutions.

Renewable energies2005-2008

Projects: 2 projects are in progress for the period 2005-2008:- Hydrogen energy,

- Development of a new generation of batteries.

Human resources: 8 research teams from public and private institutions.

Water

2004-2007

Projects: 4 projects are in progress for the period 2004-2007:

- enhancing water treatment systems,

- implementation of small scale water treatment stations using innovativemethods,

- criteria of selection and results measurement for rural purification stations,

- use of solar energy for water desalination.

Remote sensing forforests assessment

2004-2007

Projects: the program aims to establish a forest inventory in 21 governorateswithin the period 2004-2007.

Biotechnology

2005-2008

Projects: the project aims to find solutions to the phenomenon of broken leavesof palm trees.

Health (Disabilities)

2006-2009

Projects: 2 projects are in progress during the period of (2006-2009):

- differential diagnosis of learning troubles

improvement of cares to multi-handicapped persons.

Source: MSRTCD


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3.6 Innovation strategies

3.6.1 National Program of Research and Innovation (NPRI)

The purpose of the National Program of Research and Innovation is to respond to the needs ofTunisian industry by developing their technological innovation and improving their competitivenessthrough applied research. Projects are carried out in collaboration between research structures,

industrial enterprises and technical centres.

Specifically, the program aims at:

• Supporting of private sector efforts in matter of research, innovation and creativity;

• Reinforcing technology transfer through the valorisation of research results.

Targeted sectors are:

• Packaging;

• Wood and furniture industry;

• Mechanics and electricity;

• Construction materials.

In 2004, 9 projects have been selected involving 15 research teams, 14 companies and 5 technicalcentres.

The funded projects have duration of 2 years with the participation of private sectors.

Table 15: Projects in progress under the NPRI

Sector Project leader Number ofprojects

Number o fcompanies

Number o fresearchteams

Funding fromMSRTCD

Wood andfurnishing industry

Wood and FurnishingIndustry Technical Centre

3 4 4 254.000 TND

Leather andshoes

Leather and ShoesNational Centre

1 1 1 250.000 TND

Constructionmaterials Ceramic, Glass andConstruction MaterialsTechnical Centre

3 3 5 231.000 TND

Packaging Packaging TechnicalCentre

1 4 2 134

Textile Textile and ClothingTechnical Centre

1 2 2 85

Total 9 14 15 954


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3.6.2 Incentives to Scientific Research and Technological Development

3.6.2.1 Premium of Investment for Research & Development (PIRD)

Created in 1994, PIRD supports original studies necessary to the development of new products orprocesses, the implementation of prototypes and their technical experiments or the carrying out ofground experimentations. The premium helps also companies to acquire scientific equipments

necessary to their R&D projects.

PIRD grants up to 50% of the project costs with a maximum of 25 000 TND for studies and up to 100000 TND for the implementation of prototypes and their technical experiments or for carrying outground experimentations and acquisition of scientific materials.

During the period of 1995 – 2005, premiums were granted to 43 projects submitted by 40 companies.Total investment reached 2 459 140 TND.

3.6.3 Valorisation of Research Results (VRR)

Since 1992, the Government established VRR, as a financial instrument to encourage ResearchResults Valorisation. The Ministry ensures funding for the projects aiming at reinforcing partnershipbetween research structures and socio-economic actors such as Technical Centres, privateCompanies and professional groups through the setting up of innovative products or processes. Up to2005, 61 projects benefited of more than 6 Million TND funding.

3.9 Concluding remarks

Compared to most African countries, the S&T system in Tunisia is very advanced with very strongsupport from government. The implementation of the policy is evident from the technoparks that havemushroomed thought-out the country. Tunisia has embraced innovation as a key driver to economicgrowth and prosperity and has invested in this area considerable amount of funds.

The national strategy in the field of scientific research and technological development expresses theambitions of Tunisia to be part of developed countries. The strategy reflects a strategic vision in whichthe objective is the setting up of a national research system of an international level that contributes tothe socio-economic development of the country and to build knowledge based economy.

Against this background, the, MSRTCD is striving towards reaching the performance indicators ofdeveloped countries and reinforcing the financial support to the sector. Furthermore, it is to enable thecontribution of scientific research and technological innovation in improving the competitiveness ofTunisian companies.


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References

Jan Stads, G, Allani S, and Mounir Hedri, M, Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators, AstiCountry Brief No. 29 • January 2006

Kayamandi, M, Science and Policy in Tunisia, http://ec.europa.eu/research/iscp/newsletter/2002-08

Lasram, M, Report on the national system of agricultural research in Tunisiawww.ciheam.org/util/search/series, 1999

Benabdallah Salah, Foresight Scope 2015,http://les.man.ac.uk/prest/SCOPE/documents/National_Report_Tunisia_DRAFT.pdf

Sources of information

ASTI

CIA Fact sheet

ISI database

MSRTCDOECD African Outlook Report

UNDP

USPTO

WEF

Useful websites

Ministry of Scientific Research, Technology and CompetencyDevelopment

www.mrstdc.gov.tn

Technoparks

Technopark of Sousse www.technopole-sousse.rnrt.tn

Technopark of Borj Cedria www.ecopark.rnrt.tn

Technopark of Sidi Thabet www.technopole-sidi-thabet.rnrt.tn

Technopark of Sfax www.technopole-sfax.rnrt.tn

Technopark of El Ghazala www.elgazalacom.nat.tn

Research centres under supervision of the Ministry

National Centre for Scientific and Technical Documentations www.cnudst.rnrt.tn

Research Centre for Economic and Social Studies www.ceres.rnrt.tn

National Centre for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies www.cnstn.rnrt.tn

Biotechnology Centre of Sfax www.cbs.rnrt.tn

National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies www.instm.rnrt.tn

National Research Centres of Borj Cedria www.inrst.rnrt.tn

National Research Institute for Physico-chemical Analyses www.inrap.rnrt.tn

Arid Regions Institute www.ira.rnrt.tn


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