Minister Baddari: The Catalytic Role of Emerging Institutions in University-Led Economic Growth

BY: Hana Saada

Algeria, October 8, 2023 – In a recent address at the Media Symposium on Evaluating Employment Processes, organized by the Ministry of Communication, Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari, unveiled a remarkable milestone for his department – a total of 284 innovative projects in progress. These projects, according to Baddari, are poised to empower their creators to establish emerging institutions that will not only generate wealth but also position Algerian universities as vital drivers of the national economy.

Baddari emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to promoting employment, both through established institutions and individual entrepreneurship. He stressed that the latter holds immense potential for wealth creation and boasts substantially fewer financial implications than entering into a traditional salaried employment system.

“In partnership with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, our aim is to create wealth and transform the Algerian university into a powerhouse for the national economy,” stated Minister Baddari.

One of the significant achievements highlighted by Baddari was the establishment of over 10,000 mini-economic institutions in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and emerging institutions. This development marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the country.

Addressing the vital aspect of digitization, Minister Baddari explained that the core principle guiding this initiative is the simplification and enhancement of efficiency. He underscored the uniqueness of his sector by proudly proclaiming that it is the only one with an integrated information system. Comprising 46 digital service platforms, this system plays a pivotal role in managing various facets of higher education, including teaching, employment, and staff career progression.

“This year alone, we have witnessed over 2.3 million registrations with the gold card, a process that has become over 100 times more efficient compared to last year. Moreover, the cost of the only device used for student identification in university residences does not exceed 59,000 Algerian dinars,” added Baddari, highlighting the impressive strides made in digitization.

The year 2023 has also seen a concerted effort to harness the talents of holders of master’s and doctoral degrees. Baddari shared that 8,000 research professors from category B and 2,500 professors from the professorship class were employed during the first half of the year. In the months of October and November, an additional 196 research professors will be hired across various scientific research centers. Furthermore, new legislation will enable post-doctoral employment, fostering increased collaboration between academia and the economic and social spheres.

Minister Baddari revealed that additional laws are on the horizon, including the basic law for researchers, hospital professors, and permanent researchers. These measures are in line with the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who is keen on advancing research and innovation.

He concluded by highlighting that the recruitment drive in his sector will continue in the years to come. The impending legal framework for doctoral degree holders, expected before the year’s end, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the development and transformation of Algerian universities.

Baddari also proudly announced the graduation of 192,000 master’s degree holders in the past academic year and the digitization of 2,300,000 pedagogical and administrative processes for the new academic session, showcasing Algeria’s strides toward a more modern, efficient, and economically vibrant education sector.