Mastering the workings of the Interreg NEXT MED program This intensive training aimed to provide Algerian managers and researchers with the necessary tools to respond effectively to calls for projects under the Interreg NEXT MED program. Under the guidance of a panel of European experts, Michelangelo Fabbrini and Maria Valentina Lasorella (Italy), as well as Oumaya Marzouk (France), participants explored the eligibility criteria, financial rules and strategic priorities of the Mediterranean cooperation area.
From theory to practice: a project simulation The originality of this workshop lay in its interactive approach:
Analysis of real cases : Participants worked on strategic themes for Algeria, including the green transition.
Submission simulation : Divided into groups, they developed draft project proposals, simulating the entire process from partner search to final submission.
Critical evaluation : A final discussion session allowed to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the proposals according to the SWOT methodology, ensuring experiential learning.
A springboard for national innovation The final objective was to transform Algerian scientific ideas into concrete projects funded by the European Union, thus strengthening Algeria’s presence in the European research and innovation (R&I) area.
Focus on the projects developed The practical approach of the workshop made it possible to bring out structuring project proposals, ready to be submitted to calls for projects :
MEDISOOP (Mediterranean joint Intelligent water management and Sustainable solutions for Olive Oil Production) :
Objective: Maximize the harvests of olive growers and promote smart and sustainable irrigation techniques.
Scope: A 3-year project aimed at combining economic performance and respect for the environment.
Coordination: Led by the CRTAA (Algeria) in collaboration with partners from Spain, Greece, Tunisia, Jordan and Germany.
DESAL-MEE (Desalinat ion Management Energy Environment) :
Objective: Optimize the management of water desalination, wastewater treatment for irrigation and reduction of energy costs.
Innovation: Focus on the development of brine-derived products to reduce environmental impact.
Piloting: Proposed under the leadership of MESRS (Algeria) with a consortium including Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Greece.
WAVE-E: Wave energy for drinking water :
Objective: Replace fossil fuels with wave energy to supply desalination plants, thus reducing CO2 emissions (currently 2.5 kg per m3 of produced water).
Innovation: Implementation of a wave energy conversion system at selected sites in the Mediterranean.
Coordination: Led by ENI (Italy) as lead partner, with the CDER (Algeria) as key partner, supported by Sonatrach and MEM as associate partners.