 |
|
|
|
Agrobusiness |
|
|
Consumer goods |
|
|
Automotive, aeronautical, subcontracting, mechanics |
|
|
Public works, construction, water and environment |
|
|
Information technology, electronics, telecoms |
|
|
Pharmacy, health, chemistry, biotechnologies |
|
|
Textile, garments |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| SECTOR PERSPECTIVES
-
SERVICES |
|
Research & Development |
|
|
Scientific research and technological development are real challenges of the future. They play a decisive role in the economic, social and cultural growth of a country. The Mediterranean countries have accumulated a serious backlog in this sector. Certain fields of research would appear to have priority for them. It is particularly the case for the management of the poor water resources and questions of health. |
|
|
| Picture :
Research & Development |
|
|
|
Services: |
| -
News of the sector |
| -
Investment Opportunities |
 |
Documents |
 |
|
|
Research & Development
|
|
| |
|
Presentation |
Great progress is possible in the context of the EuroMediterranean co-operation. The partnerships with the European Union are multiplying. Cyprus, Malta and Turkey have been integrated into the sixth European framework programme of technological research and development (2003-2006). This programme proposes paerticularly the establishment of joint programmes and the encouragement of innovation. The three largest budgets have been allocated to health - genomics and biotechnology -, the society of information – information technology, nanotechnology – and the multifunctional materials and new processes.
The majority of the MEDA countries possess technoparks, which are important relays between research or universities and the creation of businesses.
Relative share of manufactured and high tech exports,
MEDA 2000- 2001. Source UNCTAD
| Country |
External trade balance % GDP, 2001 |
Manufactured export./total merch. exports
2000 |
High tech exports/
manuf.
exports
2000 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted average MEDA (GDP) |
2,0% |
58,4% |
8,2% |
|
|
|
| |
|
Country focus |
The Moroccan association for research and development (R&D Maroc) would like to promote and develop a favourable environment for research and development and innovation within companies. The country has an important reservoir of competent research workers and several laboratories and scientific institutes. At the end of 2005, the Casablanca Technopark was housing nearly 140 companies, against 30 in 2001. The occupancy rate largely exceeds 90%.
The Algerian authorities have launched several national research programmes, on themes as varied as agriculture and food, water resources, the environment, desertification and the advanced technologies. The new town project of Sidi Abdallah plans the integration of various technologies.
Israel is one of the world leaders in research in several sectors of high technology, thanks to an efficacious programme which blends public support (creation of around twenty incubators, mobilisation of Russian immigrants in the 90s), partnership with the private sector (in particular ten very dynamic risk capital funds) and co-operation with foreign research centres. Several multinationals have created large centres of research and development in the country. Among the new programmes, those concerning water management, the bio-technologies and plant genomics.
The Cypriot government has many ambitions in the research field. But the reality is still not up to the level of this ambition. To fill this void, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is to create a centre of new technologies. The country also has a project of partnership with Sophia-Antipolis, in France. Among its strong points, the electrical and telecommunications sectors.
Because of poor natural resources, Jordan counts essentially on qualified human resources to provide its economic and social development. The promotion of science and technology is at the top of the list of the priorities of the companies. Launched in 1999, the programme REACH has fixed a clear plan of action to support the information technology sector, with the following objectives for 2004: the creation of 30,000 new jobs (20,000 direct employment opportunities and 10,000 indirect); Foreign Direct Investment $150M; Export of information technologies US$550m.
In Tunisia, while the part of GDP was devoted to R & D was 0.45 % in 2000,and is now 1 % . A number of efforts have been made during recent years. Today, the country can boast 98 research laboratories. The first Tunisian Technopark the El Gazala technological communications park opened its gates in 1999. Others should see the light of day, including at the regional level, in the textiles, computing, renewable energies and agri-food sectors.
The entry of Malta into the EU, is an advantage for its research system. The island started the integration of its research system a few years ago. This membership should nevertheless give a boost to its membership to the European research space. For the moment, foreign research workers are still only to be found in small numbers on the island.
As for Turkey, it will participate, for the first time in the European Research Programme. For the moment, the interest of the private sector remains low, as does the part occupied by research and development in the GDP (0,6 %). But this participation should improve the situation.
Berytech, the first Lebanese Technopark, situated within the Beirut Engineering school, housed 17 businesses at the end of 2003. The Lebanon National Scientific Research Council (CNRS-L) has as its mission the integration of research into the national policy. Among the different actions, it finances projects, promotes partnerships and co-ordinates scientific research between different disciplines. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
