MEDINNOALL KICK OFF MEETING AND STUDY VISIT

MEDITERRANEAN INNOVATION ALLIANCE MEETING IN ALICANTE

The European Project MEDINNOALL (Mediterranean Innovation Alliance) held its Kick-Off Meeting on 22 March 2010 at the University of Alicante, Spain, with an opening session attended by the University of Alicante President, Ignacio Jiménez Raneda, the Director of the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Mazón and the Director of the University of Alicante International Project Management Office, Roberto Escarré.

Attendants included representatives from universities, chambers of commerce and ministries from partner institutions in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, France, Germany and the U.K. Those coming from North African countries stayed four additional days to participate in a Study Visit in Alicante, to learn and discuss university-enterprise cooperation models, with special attention to technology audit schemes.

The MEDINNOALL project is intended for the creation and development of knowledge transfer centers and for the promotion of innovative thought in higher education institutions of North Africa. The project offers support to universities so they can boost collaboration with local economic actors, and providing good practices in the innovation and dissemination culture for a better economic development.

The main objectives and expected outcomes of the MEDINNOALL project were presented, as well as the financial and administrative issues and the work plan for the first project year. Every partner in attendance shared their experiences and needs with regards to institutional innovation support structures, as well as their commitment to the project´s activities. Upcoming activities, organisational and communication aspects were also discussed during the meeting and study visit.

More information on the meeting and study visit can be found in the meeting agenda and presentations available for download.