Zeinab El-Sadr Ministry of Scientific Research, Egypt zelsadr@rdi.eg.net CAASTNet Stakeholders Meeting, Dakar Senegal 25 th April 2012
MIRA AIMS AT Developing a scientific and technological partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPC), by the use of dialogue platforms, identifying topics of common scientific interest, promoting the creation of an Observatory of EU-MPC scientific cooperation, and promoting the development of the Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space and other join initiatives with a research component such as the Horizon2020 Program of de-contamination of the Mediterranean.
MIRA Major Results Capacity building and training seminars for MPC: IPR issues Legal and Finance Valorization/commercialization of research (EIB) Organization of 6 Thematic Workshops MIRA Technological Transfer Seminar EMIS Workgroup launch, 2009 EMIS Water Forum and Casablanca Road Map, 2011 Research Driven Clusters Initiative (Water, Energy ) Horizon 2020 Initiative MIRA collaboration, 2009 onwards
Synergies. MIRA Major Results Other INCONETS: CAASTNet: 2 workshops (London, Marseille), MIRA-RDI SSH Thematic Workshop INCO GCC: steering committee EULARINET, WBC: common workshops FP7 BILATs for MPC: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia ERAWIDE for MPC (Water) RDI Programme in Egypt 3 MIRA-RDI Thematic workshops: Energy, Environemnt and Social Sciences and Humanities. Follow up activities on MIRA Health Thematic Workshop: consortium building workshop, El-Gouna Egypt, 2009 The Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Marketplace. Cairo (Egypt). 26-28 January, 2010.
MIRA Concrete Results The Euro- Mediterranean Innovation Space EMIS EMIS Architecture Research and Innovation Areas Energy Building Capacities EMIS Fora EU-MPC-Clustering Health Sharing Knowledge Skills development Environment (water management,.) Cross cutting aspects Focusing Innovation EMIS Management and tools EU-MPC-Technology transfer ICT Fostering Partnerships New Topics (e.g. Transport, ) Monitoring RDI Strategic Information (Webpage)
The Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space EMIS EMIS at a glance: Create networks of research institutions and technological transfer services from both sides of the Mediterranean, to provide a reference element for the development of the Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space. Objective of EMIS: The mobilization of innovation stakeholders in common framework and mutually beneficial partnership to develop a more intelligent and competitive Euro-Med space
The Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space EMIS EMIS Discussion Platform: Opening a dialogue process among EU-MED innovation stakeholders is key to identifying collaboration opportunities understanding the needs of different partners and figuring out the best ways to satisfy them within EMIS
The Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space EMIS Database composed of both the EU s and MPC s technological platforms data Networks of laboratories (Metrology Labs) EMIS Water forum and Casablanca roadmap Research Driven Clusters Initiative EMIS Energy Forum, June 2012, Tunisia
Technology Transfer network In 2009 a questionnaire based survey was launched among MIRA partners to identify key TT concepts, tools and methods of priority interest for the partners. In February 2010, MIRA launched a pilot action which focused on developing an overview of the national TT structures, policies and strategies in Euro Med countries to identify good practices and effective TT processes and mechanisms.
Main insights from TT event Diagnosis: Key technology transfer barriers for Public Research bodies: Lack of clear policy orientation Lack of resources Lack of early stage finance as well as absence of risk taking culture Lack of information on market needs and opportunities Necessity of Intermediate players linking research and business communities Need for demand driven policies Need to explore/develop mechanism for capacity building and internationalization, valorization/commercialization of research
Research Driven Cluster Initiative Why clusters? Empirical evaluations proof that clusters are able to develop competitiveness, enhance innovation and contribute to productivity and job creation. Thus, Clusters and Cluster Initiatives received an importance in economic activities as well as in innovation and research policies within the last 20 years. The European Cluster Memorandum defines clusters as regional concentrations of specialised companies and institutions linked through multiple linkages and spill-overs, which provide an environment conducive to innovation.
EMIS Fora and the Research Driven Cluster on (Waste) Water Management Key Considerations Clusters can not be created top down History in economic development Vested interested of involved parties Define a common denominator Involvement of the triple helix actors is crucial (science, industry, administration) Demand driven thematic focus: Water management and waste water management (it is relevant, innovative by its character, competencies in the project link to WP 7)
EMIS and the Research Driven Cluster What do we understand as a research driven cluster initiative within EMIS? Within our EMIS activities we aim at the promotion of a Research Driven Cluster Initiative (RDCI) to enhance growth and competitiveness in the field of Water and Waste Water Management at transnational scale in the Mediterranean region.
Mediterranean Laboratories Network Network focused in the area of metrology, analysis and tests. Members: laboratories belonging to different public institutions, accredited or not in their specific domains. In every MPC one laboratory will play the role of node of the network, providing linkage support for the rest of labs The network will have international scope, with membership from all the MPC.
Objectives Support the laboratories staff qualification as well as the upgrading of the labs capabilities Improve the laboratories management systems with adoption of international quality standards Support the development of new services to comply with the demand from both internal (Administration, University, etc.) and external customers. Disseminate the scientific and technical potential of the Lab Network members Prepare a catalogue of members, services, available skills and infrastructures Training workshops in line with the objectives and the members needs. Interchange of good practices, collaboration actions Creation of a common web page and dissemination actions for potential users Establish a coordination unit
MIRA CAASTNet The Road Ahead MIRA-CAASTNet workshop, Egypt, November 2012? Sharing of best practices in support of research and innovation Recommendations for H2020 (a comprehensive approach of the African continent) Capacity building activities SPRING MED CAASTNet-Plus
Thank You for Your Attention http://www.miraproject.eu zs@sti.sci.eg