New initiative links universities with economy

By Wagdy Sawahel. Algeria plans to set up innovation centres consisting of mixed research groups from higher education institutions, science and technology centres and the industrial, economic and social sectors, in an effort to boost the role of research in developing a knowledge-based economy. The new initiative – one of the first steps in implementing a five-year (2013-17) higher education reform plan – was announced on 30 September by Mohamed Mebarki, the higher education and scientific research minister, according to El Khabar newspaper. More...