Despite Tunisia’s honourable ranking at regional level, still needs to be done to promote scientific research, says Boukthir

Tunis: Despite Tunisia's ranking in scientific research is honourable at the regional and Arab levels, "there is still a long way to go to make the most of scientific research in the industrial field," Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Moncef Boukthir said on Tuesday. Speaking at the 5th National Innovation Competition Award Ceremony, in which over 220 projects were shortlisted, Boukthir pointed to the need for greater synergy, sectoral cooperation and better correlation so as to promote an economy based on added value and knowledge. Tunisia's scientific research sector employs over 20,000 researchers, in addition to thousands of living abroad, and some 39 research centres, she added. Taking the floor, Industry, Mines and Energy Minister Fatma Chiboub said that "the innovation competition rewards a generation that innovates, evolves and seeks to distinguish itself internationally." Innovation is more than just a concept; it is the driving force behind economic growth, promotes competiti veness, improves quality of life, helps create sustainable jobs and stimulates innovative and responsible entrepreneurship, she indicated. Initiated in 2014 by the Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII), the National Innovation Competition aims to support innovation and technological development and scientific research by introducing, promoting and establishing innovative projects in the ecological and digital transition fields. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse