03/11/2021
Tunisian researchers travelled to Madrid to meet with their Spanish counterparts as part of the project to support innovation in Tunisia
A meeting during the visit to the State Investigation Agency
Knowledge exchange is the basis for scientific progress and innovation. Cooperation in scientific research is essential to generate spaces for exchange and mutual help. Spain and Tunisia are working along these lines in the Twinning project to support the Tunisian research and innovation system, managed by the FIIAPP with European funding.
A study visit was organised as part of this project, in which several Tunisian researchers travelled to Madrid to share experiences and learn about the Spanish research system. They visited several Spanish institutions over three days, such as the Ministry of Science and Innovation, the State Research Agency (AEI) and the Centre for Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI).
This activity made it possible to showcase the Spanish strategy for Science and Technology and Innovation, the R&D funding model and the operation of technology and exchange platforms. In addition, they had the opportunity to visit the Montegancedo Campus of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, an example of a user-driven innovation model.
The visit served to strengthen the relationship between the research systems of Spain and Tunisia. A very positive experience for the promotion of innovation, as Rim Saied, general director of the Valuation of Research in Tunisia points out: “Working with the Spanish team has been a great experience, especially on the strategic side. They have helped us greatly on adequately reflecting on how to implement a strategy that meets our objectives”.
It is a project funded by the European Union and managed by the FIIAPP. It aims to improve the Tunisian economy and its integration in the global system by strengthening its national research and innovation system, structures and activities. In addition to endeavouring to adapt Tunisian legislation to that of the European Union, by proposing improvements to strengthen the capacities of the institutions responsible for its implementation in accordance with the EU and international standards, and raising the profile of the Tunisian national research and innovation system.
