TUNISIA COUNTRY OVERVIEW - Emerging African Innovation Leaders
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COUNTRY OVERVIEW
TUNISIA
An Introduction to the Country Economy
and the National Innovation System
AID 11346
Emerging African Innovation Leaders
G7 Exchange & Empowerment Program
for enabling Innovation
within the Next Production Revolution
Work Package 1
in collaboration
withCOUNTRY OVERVIEW: TUNISIA
An Introduction to the Country Economy
and the National Innovation System
This report describes Tunisia’s National Innovation System (NIS) under the
lens of the Next Production Revolution (NPR). After summarizing the main
characteristics of the country’s economy, it introduces the NIS players and
institutions that are considered to sustain the diffusion of NPR technologies
and business models across the main domestic industries. The report is
primarily aimed at introducing all the members of the Emerging African
Innovation Leaders project, including trainers and mentors, to the country’s
economy, its potential for the NPR technologies and the NIS components that
can foster the embracement of the NPR in Tunisia. The report content may
also be of interest to local and international policymakers, enterprises and
civil sector organizations that are working toward the NPR adoption in the
country.
The document was produced by Leonardo Rosciarelli and Pierluigi Leone
between April and August 2018 as a researcher and professor of Politecnico
di Torino and the Energy Center Initiative. The report is part of a serie of six
Country Overviews, which were designed and reviewed by the “Emerging
African Innovation Leaders” research team composed by Pierluigi Leone and
Leonardo Rosciarelli from Politecnico di Torino, and Emanuela Colombo,
Paola Garrone, Andrea Gumina, Fabio Lamperti, Boris Mrkajic, Felipe
Repetto, Nicolo’ Stevanato and Stefano Pistolese from Politecnico di Milano.
AID 11346
Emerging African Innovation Leaders
G7 Exchange & Empowerment Program for enabling Innovation
within the Next Production Revolution
in collaboration
with
Graphic design: Silvia Isaia
2Table of Contents
Executive Summary 5
1 Country overview 7
1.1 General description 7
1.2 Economy 8
1.3 Industry structure 10
1.4 Natural resources 10
1.5 Smart and integrated infrastructure (Enabling quality infrastructures) 11
1.5.1 Energy 11
1.5.2 Mobility 13
1.5.3 Digitalization 13
1.6 Human capital 14
1.7 Entrepreneurship 15
1.8 Science, research and innovation 15
2 Institutions of the national innovation system 17
2.1 Firms 17
2.2 Government 18
2.3 Universities 21
2.4 Innovation and enterprise support institutions 22
2.5 Linkages between the institutions 24
3 Conclusions 25
3.1 Key actors in the national innovation system 25
3.1.1 Union Tunisienne de l’Industrie, du Commerce et de l’Artisanat 25
(UTICA)
3.1.2 Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation 25
3.1.3 Université de Tunis El Manar 25
3.1.4 Elgazala Technopark 26
3.2 Challenges, opportunities and learning needs 26
Appendix A 29
References 31
in collaboration
with 34
Executive This report aims at describing and
analysing the National Innovation
infrastructures, with many
kilometres of paved highways and
Summary System (NIS) of Tunisia, inspecting
the topic, the key institutions and
a high number of airports that
allows for transportation of high
the specific actors under the lens volumes of passengers and freights
of the Next Production Revolution transported. In the viewpoint of
(NPR). business and entrepreneurship,
Tunisia shows good features
The first section of the report in international rankings and a
describes the country focusing large part of population sees good
on several important aspects (e.g. opportunities to start a firm in the
geography, politics, economy, area where they live. Great efforts
industry structure, etc.) with have also been made in education
the aim of providing an insight and today an ever-increasing part
of the local situation and to of GDP is devoted into this field or
critically understand the starting in research.
point for the spreading of the
NPR. Tunisia is today a strongly The second section of the report
service-based country with quite provides an overview of the
big urban conglomerates in the country’s NIS, critically analysing
north, while arid southern regions the major categories of actors,
remains quite underpopulated. their actions and readiness
It presents low competitiveness towards the embracement of the
with respect of other Middle East NPR, and the existing linkages
and North African countries and and interactions between them.
most of the export relies on textile Many of the Tunisian activities,
and agricultural products while as mentioned above, are more
imports consist in automobiles focused on services such as vehicle
and refined petroleum products. repair and wholesale trade. Few
The country also presents a are actually the industrial realities
great variety of natural resources of the country, focused mainly
and raw materials exploited for on sectors such as agribusiness,
several years; in addition, the textile, mining industry and the
geographical location and the first processing of the extracted
peculiar conformation of the materials. Now the country's
territory could be suitable for the government is focused more on
installation of renewable energy the better implementation of the
infrastructure like utility-scale digital infrastructure and the
solar systems or wind power improvement of existing network
parks. Differently from many for what concern transportation
others African countries, Tunisia and energy. Indeed, thanks to
presents a wide range of mobility the great amount of renewable
in collaboration
with 5sources, Tunisia claims to achieve a Industry 4.0. Finally, related to
high share of electricity production the second and final part, after
from renewables within 2030, a critical assessment, four key
while the challenge in logistic sectors have been identified and
performance enhancement will cross-analysed with the three
be addressed even before 2022 NPR-enabling transformation
according to governmental plans. fields of Energy, Mobility and
However, particularly advanced Digitalization.
technical skills are required to
reach these goals. Indeed, many
technical support centers have
been created and universities are
collaborating, despite they are
facing a clear need to improve
their international collaboration
capabilities. Tunisia could rely
also on many vocational training
and employment program directly
organized by its government.
In the third section we provide two
different insights. On one hand,
we analyze in more detail some
of the most interesting actors of
the Tunisian NIS, emphasizing
more their peculiarities. On the
other hand, we will try to provide
a detail on the possibilities that
the national system offers and
the actions that can be carried
out to increase the probability
of spreading of the NPR. In this
section, we analyse a technological
cluster near Elgazala, near the
capital Tunis, a university still in
Tunis and two agencies. One is
the Tunisian union of industry,
commerce and crafts, while
the second is the Agency for
the promotion of industry and
innovation that in 2017 organized
the first nation's conference on
61.
This first Section of the report 18% arable land, 15% permanent
presents a synthetic overview of crops and 31% permanent pasture.
the Tunisian framework in terms of Forests are limited to around
socio-political and infrastructural 6.5% of total area. Because of its
aspects. This kind of analysis is geographical location, the climate
necessary to proceed in further is temperate in the northern part
Country chapters to a critical assessment
of the country innovation
with mild, rainy winters and hot
dry summers, while the south is
overview ecosystem and definition of its
own peculiarities.
deserted. The terrain in the north
is comprised of mountains with
hot and dry central plain; the
1.1 General description southern part is instead semi-arid
Tunisia is located in Northern before merging into the Sahara.
Africa, bordering the Most of the population is located
Mediterranean Sea, between in the northern half of the country,
Algeria and Libya. The prevalent while the south remains largely
ethnic group is Arab with underpopulated. Tunisia had
official language being Arabic. a strong urbanization period
French is also widely used in starting from the seventies until
commerce. Muslims cover 99% of the nineties during which period
population with small minorities the urbanization rate was up to 5%
of Christian, Jewish and others. per year. Today, the urbanization
Tunisia is a parliamentary trend is around 1.5 % per year, one
republic organized into of the lowest of the whole MENA
administrative divisions including region. The largest city, Tunis,
24 governorates, with the capital accounts for more than 26% of
city of Tunis. The executive branch total urban population. Overall,
includes the chief of state that urban population is around 67% of
appoints the head of government the total and the urban land area is
selected by the majority party or around 10 thousand km2 compared
majority coalition. The legislative with around 144 thousand km2
branch consists of a unicameral of rural land area. Despite the
Assembly of the Representatives high urbanization and relatively
of the People. small land area, the population
With a population of around 11.4 density is only 73 people per km2
billion people and a territory of because of the smallest population
more than 155 thousand km2, growth of the region, with only
Tunisia is the smallest country about 1.5% increase per year.
of Northern Africa exceeding However, 24% of total population
only Libya in terms of population. ages 0-14, 68% ages 15-64 and
Agricultural land accounts for 8% is above 65 accomplice a life
around 65% of total territory with expectancy at birth of around
in collaboration
with 775 years. Migrations are also Overall, the GDP of Tunisia was
affecting demographics having slightly more than $US 48.5 billion
Tunisia a net migration rate of -1.7 (constant 2010 US$) in 2016,
migrant(s)/1,000 population. achieving the highest GDP per
Tunisia has a high human capita (4,265 constant 2010 US$)
development index of 0.725 of Northern Africa countries only
ranking at the 97th position lower than the one of Algeria.
globally. This results from of The trend was equivalent when
substantial expenditures in considering the GDP per capita
education that were 6.3% of GDP in terms of purchase parity
in 2012 bringing a high level of power having a value of 10,752
total literate population (81.8%) (constant 2011 international $)
and school life expectancy of 15 compared with 13,921 of Algeria.
years. Other positive parameters After decades of 4-5% annual
were health expenditures sharing GDP growth and improved living
7% of GDP in 2014. standards, the economic growth
Tunisia is a key country in the has slowed down with an annual
Mediterranean area in terms of growth rate less than 1.2% per
socio-economic relations with year. The decline can be mostly
Italy and Europe contributing to attributed to terroristic attacks
migration flows (e.g., 5,763 out of that influenced the tourism
114,611 in Italy in 2017) and FDI sector as well as the strikes in
(1,541 m$ stock out of 21.531 m$ the phosphate sector, which
in 2015 for Italy). account for nearly 15% of GDP
combined. The actual precarious
1.2 Economy health of the economy is also
Tunisia is a market-oriented testified by the relatively high
economy and has one of the inflation rate of 3.7% in 2016 and
most advanced economic systems the central bank discount rate of
among the Northern Africa 5.75% (2010 est.).
countries. The economic strategy The employment conditions
has been focused on exports, are also critical with more
especially textiles, food products, than 15% of unemployed
oil, chemicals, and phosphates. total labor force. Youth
Foreign investments have been also employment is particular
favoured by specific policies like worrisome, with more than
the establishment of the Foreign 35% unemployed workforce
Investment Promotion Agency aged 15-24, as estimated by
«FIPA-Tunisia» in 1995 under the ILO in 2017. This condition,
the supervision of the Ministry which has been emerging since
of Development Investment and 2011, ranks Tunisia as the second
International Cooperation. worst performing country in the
8Population Northern Africa (after Libya). added from industry for around
Tunisian economy is mostly based one quarter (26%), while the
11.4 billion on services with a minor role of remaining part is contributed by
Tunisia is the smallest country industry and agriculture. As a agriculture (10%). Net inflows of
of Northern Africa result, the net trading balance foreign direct investment were
is negative showing a higher around 1.7% of GDP in 2016, in
contribution of imports than line with other Northern Africa
exports ($US 19.5 billion of countries and corresponding to
Urban population imports against $US 13.6 billion around $US 695 million. Half of
67% in 2016). Overall, the imports of investments were in the energy
of the total goods and services are as high as sector, one third in industry and
and the urban land area 51 % of GDP, while the exports fair the remaining part in services.
is around 10 thousand km 2 at 40 % of GDP. The largest part of investments
compared with around Top 3 exports partners include came from the UK (around $US
144 thousand km2 France (around 32%), Italy 158 million), Austria (around $US
of rural land area (around 17.5%) and Germany 155 million) and France (around
(around 10.5%) with a similar $US 126 million); however, the
proportion in terms of import highest number of projects came
Population density (France 15.5%, Italy 14.5%, from France and Italy. Other G7
73 people per km2 China 9.5% and Germany 7.72%).
The other G7 countries have
countries invested as follows
(rounded values): $US 37 million
Due to the smallest somewhat less trade interaction (Italy), $US 30 million (Germany),
population growth of the
with Tunisia, both in terms of $US 19 million (Canada), $US 7
region, with only about
imports: United States (3.6%), million (United States) and $US
1.5% increase per year
United Kingdom (1.6%), Canada 5 million (Japan). Net outflows of
(0.8%), Japan (1.1%); and in terms direct investment were less than
of export: United States (1.8%), 1% of GDP.
Life expectancy United Kingdom (1.8%), Canada Overall, Tunisia has shown weak
75 years (0.2%), Japan (0.2%). At large, competitiveness among African
24% of total population Europe and Central Asia account countries and especially the Arab
ages 0-14, for around 65% of all imports and world. The Global Competitiveness
68% ages 15-64 76% of all exports. Index 2017–2018 ranks Tunisia
8% is above 65 Most relevant export products in the 95th position out of 137
include electronics, textiles, oil countries, overcoming only
and agriculture products (i.e., Egypt among the Northern Africa
Human olive oil); on the other hand, top countries. Despite showing good
Development Index import products include oil features in terms of healthcare,
products, automobiles and diesel primary, secondary, higher
0.725 power truck. education and training, as well as
Ranking at the Value added from services’ infrastructure, Tunisia still suffers
97th position globally sector accounts for around 2/3 from poor labour and market
of Tunisian GDP (64%), value efficiency, underperforming
in collaboration
with 9macroeconomic environment, agriculture sectors include olives, Import/Export
business sophistication and olive oil, grain, tomatoes, citrus
The imports of goods and
innovation output. fruit, sugar beets, dates, almonds, services are as high as
Tunisia is a member country of beef and dairy products.
the World Bank, the International The same relevance of the 51 % of GDP
Monetary Fund, the World different sectors holds in the while the exports fair at
Trade Organization, the African case of employment. Indeed,
Union, and the League of Arab employment in services was
40 % of GDP
States. Tunisia is also member around 59% of total employment,
of the Comite Maghrebin de compared to 29% in industry and
L’electricite (COMELEC) that is a 12% in agriculture. Exports partners
regional power pool for energy The industrial production 32%
infrastructure. growth rate of 0.5% has been France
estimated for 2017. Overall, the
1.3 Industry structure productivity of the country has
17.5%
Italy
The economic structure of Tunisia increased steadily in the last 50
has changed dramatically in the years and the GDP per person 10.5%
last 40 years with an increase of employed reached more than $US Germany
the share on GDP of the service 35 thousand in 2017 (constant with a similar proportion in
2011 PPP $) comparable with terms of import
sector and a reduction of industry
Egypt but much lower than France 15.5%, Italy 14.5%,
and agriculture. Service sector
China 9.5% and Germany
shared 54% of GDP in 1965 and Algeria ($US 51 thousand in 2017,
7.72%
increased to 64% in 2016. As far constant 2011 PPP $). Finally,
The other G7 countries
as the services are concerned, the the agriculture value added have somewhat less trade
key sector in Tunisia is tourism. per worker was $US 5 thousand interaction with Tunisia, both
Value added from industry (constant 2010 US$) in 2015 one in terms of imports.
decreased in the last 30 years of the lowest of Northern Africa. Europe and Central Asia
having a share of 38% of GDP in account for around
1.4 Natural resources
1984. Manufacturing is leading
the industrial sector with 60% The contribution of natural
65%
of all imports
of its total value added. The resources to the economic output
main manufacturing subsectors of Tunisia has been variable in 76%
are Textiles and clothing, the last 30 years, but has steadily of all exports
Food, beverages and tobacco, declined in the last 10 years
Chemicals, Machinery and reaching around 3% of GDP. Key
transport equipment, and they natural resources of Tunisia are Foreign Direct
contribute to around 35% of the petroleum, phosphates, iron Investment
total manufacturing value added. ore, lead, zinc and salt.
Finally, value added from In 2016, total proved oil reserves 1.7% of GDP
agriculture was decreasing were around 100 million tons in 2016
from around 25% of GDP in of oil equivalent (toe), while the corresponding to around
1970 to 10% of GDP in 2016. Key yearly production was 2.4 million $US 695 million
10Phosphate toe. Most of these resources were with the mean power density and
Mining is a key sector exported. wind speed for the 10% windiest
of Tunisia. Today, the sector Phosphate mining is a key sector areas of 426 W/m2 and 7.14 m/s
accounts for around of Tunisia as the country’s first respectively at 50m height. Some
mines opened in the late 19th of the potential sites for wind
2% of GDP century. Today, the sector accounts exploitation include Zaghouan,
and employs about for around 2% of GDP and employs Kasserine, Kebili and Nabeul, that
27,000 people about 27 thousand people. Most of could provide up to 1 GW of power
mines are located in the Gafsa’s capacity. Despite this fact, around
90% basin with estimates of phosphate 97% of electricity is still generated
of the phosphate is used to at 2005 of 1.5 billion tons. The through fossil fuels, as it will be
produce fertilizers Compagnie des Phosphates shown later.
and phosphate-based de Gafsa (CPG) is the leading
products for national uses government-owned company that 1.5 Smart and integrated
operates phosphate mines. infrastructure (Enabling
Phosphate production has quality infrastructures)
Other natural decreased in the last years due to
resources social tensions and strikes, falling
1.5.1 Energy
production from 8 million tons in 2010 to an
Tunisia ranks 65th out of 127
average of 3 million tons during
countries in terms of the energy
55 million tons the 2011-2015 period. Around
architecture performance index
Iron ore 90% of the phosphate production
defined by the World Economic
is used to produce fertilizers and
2 million tons phosphate-based products for
Forum. Although the national
Plumb iron ore energy system shows some
national uses.
positive features, especially
2 million tons Data at 2005 reported the
when compared to the other
Zinc iron ore availability and exploitation
MENA countries, there are still
of other natural resources
several gaps in terms of linkages
being iron ore (55 million tons
with economic performance,
production), plumb iron ore (2
environmental sustainability
Renewable energy million tons production) and
and energy security.
sources zinc iron ore (2 million tons
A macroscopic analysis of the
Tunisia has a high-unexploited production).
Tunisian national energy system
potential for renewable Like other Northern Africa
shows a high intensity of energy
energy sources with annual countries, Tunisia has a high-
utilization, with the energy
irradiation rates of unexploited potential for
intensity level of primary energy
renewable energy sources
1800 to 2600 KWh with annual irradiation rates of
(MJ/$2011 PPP GDP) equal
per square metre, to 3.7. Moreover, a significant
approximately 1800 to 2600 KWh
over 20% more than the dependence on energy import
per square metre, over 20% more
most irradiated sites (around 36% of total energy use)
than the most irradiated sites in
in Europe hinders economic growth and
Europe. Wind potential is also high
in collaboration
with 11warns for security of supplies. 2.5 million toe and 2 million Electricity
Finally, electricity price for toe. Primary electricity from Price for industry
industry is between 50 and renewable energy sources is less between
60 €/MWh, depending on the than 0.05 million toe. The share of
contracting levels. This value is renewable energy sources in the
50 - 60 €/MWh
relevant if compared with the country electricity production was
country GDP and leads to a cost around 3.5% in 2016. The total
of 712% of income per capita. electricity consumption in 2016 Energy
Time to get electricity of 65 was 15 TWh mainly consumed architecture
days is instead competitive with in Big Tunis distribution
industrialized countries, center (almost 29%). The total
performance index
Environmental sustainability is electricity consumption per 65th
also low with renewable energy capita was around 1320 kWh out of 127 countries
contributing to only around 13% per year in 2016 which is low
of total final energy consumption
(the remaining is provided by High shares of Access to
fossil fuels with oil and gas at 60% renewable energy electricity and
and 40% respectively). Because of clean fuels
the energy mix, total greenhouse integration should
gas yearly emissions are around
be pursued to >99.7%
40 million tons of CO2 equivalent It is available to almost
and the per capita value is around decrease costs and the total of population
2.6 metric tons that is a high value
if compared with the economic
mitigate GHGs
output. Indeed, CO2 intensity emissions Installed power
is 0.6 kg per 2010 US$ of GDP. capacity
Notably, access to electricity and compared with European values.
clean fuels is available to almost The value lost due to electrical 5 GW
the total of population (>99.7%), outages was 2% in 2013. (2016)
both in urban and rural areas as There is also a significant use of It is mostly coming from
both power, gas grids and clean natural gas (4.7 million) especially fossil sources (94%)
gas logistics is available. for industry and residential/ and the remaining
from hydropower (62 MW)
Concerning with infrastructure, commercial uses with more than
and wind (240 MW)
the installed power capacity 17 thousand km of pipeline and
of Tunisia was around 5 GW in 772 thousand subscribers. Oil
2016, mostly coming from fossil refineries is instead weak leading
sources (94%) and the remaining to net oil products imports.
Share of renewable
from hydropower (62 MW) Although the country has an energy sources
and wind (240 MW). Crude oil adequate infrastructure to in the country electricity
and natural gas are prevalent distribute power and gas in all the production was around
primary resources for electricity national territory, the fossil fuel 3.5%
production accounting for around dependence is still high as well in 2016
12as the energy bill. High shares of Registered carrier departures
renewable energy integration worldwide were 39 thousand in
should be pursued to decrease 2016 with 3.6 million passengers
Road System costs and mitigate GHGs emissions, and airfreight of 39 million ton-
especially in the framework of the km especially for the transport
20,000 km NPR, where electrification may of perishable goods such as food
of paved roads be relevant and economic growth export.
could rise even more energy Ports ensure 96% of the foreign
500 km demand. commercial trade. Most of maritime
of highways trade (80%) is processed through a
1.5.2 Mobility single port - Radès Port. There are
Roads account for most of 8 ports in total in Tunisia with port
passengers and freight transport container traffic of 490 thousand
Railways system in Tunisia sharing around 80% TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit).
of all goods transported. The Overall, logistics is underdeveloped
2,000 km road network includes around in Tunisia. In fact, Tunisia ranked
and 23 lines. 20 thousand kilometres of paved 110th out of 160 countries in terms
There are a total number of 267 roads and 500 kilometres of of logistics performance index
train stations with rail-road highways across the entire country (LPI). Poor performances were
links that favour multimodal territory. The highway network is obtained across the six dimensions
passenger transport
planned to reach 1,000 kilometres defining the LPI including
by the end 2020, which should efficiency of the clearance process
substantially improve the efficiency including customs (1.96/5), quality
Airports of transportation and logistics in of trade and transport related
29 Tunisia. infrastructure (2.44/5), ease of
but only Railways cover a large part of the arranging competitively priced
15 have paved runways national territory with a network of shipments (2.33/5), competence
more than 2,000 kilometres and 23 and quality of logistics services
lines. Most of these lines (around (2.59/5), ability to track and trace
1,700 kilometres) are metre-gauge consignments (2.67/5), timeliness
Ports railways, out of which only 90 of shipments (3/5). Deploying
8 kilometres are electrified. There are digital technologies in transport
They ensure a total number of 267 train stations could increase the country
96% of the foreign with rail-road links that favour capability in logistics that is
commercial trade. multimodal passenger transport. fundamental to enable effectively
Most of maritime trade Passengers carried were more NPR solutions.
(80%) is processed than 1.2 million passenger-km in
through a single port - 2016, while goods hauled were 1.5.3 Digitalization
Radès Port 664 million ton-km contributing to Telecommunication network
industrial logistics. in Tunisia has achieved relevant
There are 29 airports in Tunisia results in recent years (ICT sector
but only 15 have paved runways. represents more than 7% of the
in collaboration
with 13GDP) and Tunisia aims to become an interventions needed on increasing
international digital destination capacity and establish a more
under the National Strategic Plan articulated regulation.
Mobile cellular
"Digital Tunisia 2018". While fixed
telephone subscriptions are low 1.6 Human capital subscriptions
(9 subscriptions per 100 people), Human capital is an important 126%
mobile cellular subscriptions are contributor to the relatively Individuals using
126%. Individuals using internet high human development index internet were
were 51% of total population, of Tunisia. Tunisia allocated 51% of total population
however number of subscribers 6% to 7% of the yearly GDP to
to the Internet for the 1000 education in the last decade; in
inhabitants was only 159 in 2015. particular, education represented Fixed broadband
In particular, fixed broadband at least 20% of total government
Internet subscriptions were
Internet
expenditure. Half of this subscriptions
5.65 per 100 mostly for business expenditure was addressed to
Tunisia aims secondary education,
primary and tertiary education
while
5.65 per 100
to become an accounted each for about 25% of mostly for business
total education expenditure. As a applications
international result, the literacy rate of the adult
digital destination population is higher than 80%,
under the National while this value rises up to 96% in International
the case of youth’s literacy. Gross
connectivity
Strategic Plan enrolment in primary school
is 114%, this value declines to 4,447 kBps
“Digital Tunisia 88% for secondary school; finally, in 2017
2018” the enrolment in tertiary school it is much
decreases to 35%. lower than Kenya
applications. Capacity of the In 2016, around 60,000 (12,160 kBps)
international connectivity for the students graduated in the
Internet was 4,447 kBps in 2017 tertiary education; 30% of total
that is much lower than Kenya graduates were in engineering
(12,160 kBps). and computer science and Adult’s literacy rate
Finally, around 30% of mobile telecommunications. Another higher than
connections are 2G, 50% is 15% of graduates belonged to
3G and 20% is 4G/5G. Other business and administrative
80%
statistics report an overall 3G affairs. Agriculture accounted for Youth’s literacy
or better availability of more 6% of total graduates, while arts
than 81%. Overall, the existing
rate
and literature added another
infrastructure is a starting point 15% of total graduates. The high 96%
to implement digital infrastructure commitment in human capital of
required for NPR with the main Tunisia is promising to set up new
14cooperation capacity building of population that intend to start
programs that may focus on a business within three years. The
technical and management total early stage entrepreneurial
aspects of NPR. activity (TEA) shows a more than
10 % of population who are either
1.7 Entrepreneurship a nascent entrepreneur or owner-
Tunisia ranks at the 88th manager of a new business;
position at the global level for however, the ratio between
the ease of doing business, female/male TEA is only 0.36.
7th position among MENA This positive attitude of the
countries and 2nd among country towards entrepreneurship
Northern African countries. This may be of high relevance for NPR
result includes the positive score given its potential for physical
in ease of getting electricity and and financial decentralization
timing to resolving insolvency, and thus the empowerment of
however there are some gaps individuals.
Entrepreneurial 1.8 Science, research
behaviour and and innovation
Gross domestic expenditure on
attitudes in R&D (GERD) was more 0.6% of
Tunisia are GDP in the period between 2005
and 2015 that is comparable with
positive towards other Northern African countries
business activities but lower than industrialized ones.
Public funds were around 77% of
in trading across borders and total GERD, business enterprise
dealing with construction contributed to 19%, while the funds
permits. from abroad were less than 4%.
Entrepreneurial behaviour and High technology exports were
attitudes in Tunisia are positive $US 673 million in 2016, sharing
towards business activities 6.3% of manufactured exports.
with almost 49% of 18-64 Patent applications were 589
population who sees good in 2016, mostly (409) coming
opportunities to start a firm from non-residents. Trademark
in the area where they live. applications were instead almost
Furthermore, almost 60% 6.5 thousand. Finally, industrial
of the population believe they design applications were more
have the required skills and than 1.5 thousand; even in this
knowledge to start a business. case the vast majority came from
Entrepreneurial intentions are non-residents.
significant with the around 29% Scientific output of Tunisia is
in collaboration
with 15quite high, ranking the country
at the 51st position at the global
level and second among all
African countries, with a total
number of more than 67 thousand
publications and 459 thousand
citations. At sectorial level, there
is a good level of research in the
field of business, management
and accounting (3th in the African
The low
connections
between
Universities and
industries come out
to weak innovation
linkages that
may stop further
innovation in the
country
rank) and engineering (4th in the
African rank). However, the low
connections between Universities
and industries come out to weak
innovation linkages that may
stop further innovation in the
country, especially in the field
of NPR where the relevance of
applied research and technology
transfer is high.
162.
The following section will yearly new entries) and industry
exhaustively introduce the most (10%).
important actors which constitutes Micro enterprises (less than 6
the Tunisian ecosystem. We will employees) were around 97% of
shortly present their features total, while small and medium
and main activities, exploring the enterprises (6-49 and 50-199
Institutions of public and private institutions
that could lead to enable the Next
employees) were only 2.5%.
Finally, there were 815 large
the national Production Revolution. enterprises (>200 employees).
Almost the total of enterprises
innovation 2.1 Firms are Tunisian with a 98% of share
system The economy of Tunisia, as shown
before, presents some promising
almost constant in the last 5 years.
There are some co-participations
industrial sectors like agribusiness of foreign enterprises coming
and manufacturing such as textile, mainly from France, Italy, Germany
leather and footwear, mechanical, and Belgium.
electrical, and electronics. Almost 1 million people are
Enterprises in Tunisia were employed in enterprises,
more than 740 thousand in 2016 with 42% of employees in large
showing an increase of almost enterprises, 46% in small and
20% in the last five years. Most medium enterprises and 12% in
of enterprises were involved in micro enterprises.
wholesale and retail trade, repair In the manufacturing sector, more
of motor vehicles and motorcycles than 75% of firms use material
(more than 42%), while less than inputs and/or supplies of foreign
12% was focused on industry. origin that account for 55.3%
Especially, more than 20% of of total inputs showing a high
enterprises in the industry dynamism and good infrastructure
sector focused on textiles and for international trading although
clothing, around 17% in food and custom system could be improved.
beverage industries, around 15% Time spent waiting for imports
in metallurgy. Information and and exports to clear customs is
communication enterprises were recognized as a major barrier for
only 2%. Moreover, around 10% of international trades by around
total enterprises were devoted to 10% of Tunisian firms.
professional, technical, education, Low dimensions of enterprises
and human health and social work and traditional business sectors
activities. of the Tunisian economy lead
In the last five years, a main to a low global competitiveness
increase in the total number of especially for the lack of business
enterprises was registered in the sophistication, knowledge,
wholesale and retail trade (46 of technology and creative outputs.
in collaboration
with 17Although contribution of business 2.2 Government
to total GERD is relevant (19%) and The Tunisian government has
firms offering formal training are launched and is supporting Micro enterprises
almost 30%, knowledge-intensive several innovation policies and (less than 6 employees)
employment only accounts for 21 initiatives at the country level to were around
% of total employees, university/
industry research collaborations
modernize the national economy. 97%
Relevant innovation policies and of total
are weak and intellectual property initiatives, in the field of NPR,
payments are still under the focus on strategic infrastructural Small and medium
average value of upper-middle assets including digitalization and enterprises
income countries. This situation energy. Tunisian authorities have (6-49 and 50-199 employees)
should be improved to enable NPR recognized ICTs as a national were only
uptake by introducing capacity
building programs and innovation
priority given the interest in public
and private investments in digital
2.5%
actions that may spur clustering infrastructure. Many technological large enterprises
centres (e.g., El Ghazala in Tunis, (>200 employees)
Introducing Sfax) have been established and key
815
capacity building infrastructure has been realized to
connect to Europe. This has led,
programs and for instance, to the start of several Enterprises
innovation actions offshoring activities in Tunisia
150 thousand
with many available call centers.
may spur clustering Furthermore, large multinationals They are grouped
in l’Union Tunisienne de
and networking like Alcatel, Ericsson, Sofrecom, etc.
l’Industrie, du Commerce et de
have established their regional and
l’Artisanat
national offices in the country.
and networking. In this framework the “Digital
Finally, more than 150 thousand Tunisia 2020” National Strategic
enterprises are grouped Plan (https://www.afdb.org/ Tunisian Renewable
in l’Union Tunisienne de en/documents/document/ Energy
l’Industrie, du Commerce et de tunisia-support-project-for-the-
l’Artisanat (UTICA) (www.utica. implementation-of-the-digital- Action Plan 2030
org.tn) that aims at supporting tunisia-2020-national-strategic- aims at improving energy
and spurring the activities of plan-98912/) aims to catalyse this intensity by
the private sector. Furthermore, positive momentum by establishing,
the Chamber de Commerce et among other initiatives, main 3% per year
D’Industrie en Tunisie provides ministerial information systems and saving energy by
support to enterprises including
international development,
(e.g., e-finance, e-justice, e-local 17%
government) and all the platforms during the period
market analysis, and business that guarantee e-government (e.g. 2016-2020.
opportunities. interoperability, public cloud,
Government intranet, etc.).
18Relevant actions have been and business.
also taken in the field of energy All these policies are very promising
with Tunisia’s INDC that aims at in the field of NPR and may be
reducing greenhouse gas emissions enforced by adopting a smart
across all economic sectors, and and integrated infrastructure
especially in the energy sector, approach as the one suggested by
of 41% by 2030 relative to 2010 the Infrastructure Consortium
emissions. Therefore, the Tunisian for Africa (ICA) 2017.
Renewable Energy Action Plan There are key governmental actors
2030 aims at improving energy in Tunisia that operate, directly
intensity by 3% per year and saving or indirectly, in the field of NPR.
energy by 17% during the period The Ministry of Development,
Investment and International
Relevant Cooperation (http://www.mdici.
gov.tn/en/) prepares policies and
innovation policies strategies for infrastructure and
and initiatives, in human development, at regional
and sectoral level. Furthermore,
the field of NPR, the Ministry prepares economic
focus on strategic and sectoral studies to support
regional and international, as well
infrastructural as private and public investments.
The Ministry of Industry (http://
assets including www.tunisieindustrie.gov.tn/)
digitalization and aims at implementing policy in areas
related to industry, agribusiness,
energy services to industry, energy,
2016-2020. Furthermore, the plan mining, industrial cooperation
aims at producing 30% of Tunisia’s and industrial safety. Under its
electricity from renewable energy umbrella there are key agencies
sources in 2030 by installing 1GW that promote innovation, foreign
of renewable capacity in the first investments and industrial
phase (2017 – 2020) and 1.25 GW property. The recently established
more in the second phase (2021 – Ministère de l'Energie, des Mines
2030). et des Energies renouvelables
Finally, a recent initiative, the (http://www.energymines.gov.
Smart Industrie 2017, (http:// tn/) oversees activities related
www.tunisieindustrie.nat.tn/ with natural resources of Tunisia
smartindustrie/home.asp) aims at including renewable energy
promoting the Industry 4.0 among sources. In the field of energy, it
Tunisian enterprises and create is worth mentioning the National
new opportunities for innovation Agency for Energy Conservation
in collaboration
with 19and the Société Tunisienne de the-ministry/missions/), develops
l’Electricité et du Gaz, a public policy for the development of
owned company, that is responsible employment, integration and
for transmission and distribution reintegration into the labor
and retains control of almost the market and the promotion of self-
existing power generation facilities. employment. It is in charge to
The Ministry of the Environment develop the legal framework
and Sustainable Development governing vocational training and
(http://www.environnement. employment and to adapt it to
gov.tn/index.php?id=3&L=1#. economic and social changes while
WtS2pZe-k2w), aims at ensuring the application of the
establishing and spreading relevant legislative and regulatory
the concept of sustainable texts.
development and to incorporate The Ministry of Communication
it into general and sectoral socio- Technologies and Digital
economic policies as well as into Economy (Ministère des
natural resource planning and Technologies de la Communication
management methodologies. et de l’Economie Numérique,
Main sectors are sustainable MINCOM) is the main public
development, risk prevention, authority on all matters related
climate change, biodiversity, etc. to ICT. It establishes the national
Notably, the Tunisian Observatory telecommunication strategy and
for Environment and Sustainable ensures its proper implementation
Development (OTEDD) under through the necessary regulation,
the authority of the Ministry of infrastructure and cybersecurity
the Environment and Sustainable policy. Under the umbrella of this
Development is considered the Ministry, it is worth mentioning
dashboard to monitor the activities the National Telecommunications
of sustainable development in the Agency (Instance Nationale des
country. Télécommunications, INT), the
The Ministère de l’Enseignement market regulator that handles
Supérieur et de la Recherche phone numbers, mobile networks,
Scientifique (http://www.mes. licences and pricing. Moreover, the
tn/) develops and implements Centre for Studies and Research
the policy of higher education and of Telecommunications (Centre
scientific research. It oversees d’Etudes et des Recherches des
the activities of universities, Télécommunications, CERT) assists
higher education and research the regulating agency when it
institutions. conducts quality-control studies by
The Ministry of Vocational providing the INT with data related
Training and Employment to the current quality of mobile
(http://www.emploi.gov.tn/en/ phone networks.
202.3 Universities The biggest universities are located
There were about 240,000 in the biggest urban centres of
students enrolled in Tunisian the country. Université de Tunis
Universities in 2016. More than has around 28,000 students,
57,000 graduated in 2016 with while the students enrolled at the
about 45% of tertiary graduates in Université de Tunis El Manar are
science, technology, engineering 33,000. Université de Carthage has
Students enrolled and mathematics. instead 38,000 enrolled students.
Overall, there are 14 public Université de la Manouba has
240,000 universities (http://www.mes.tn/ 17,630 students while the student
annuaire.php?code_menu=22): body is more than 25,000 at the
in Tunisian Universities
(2016) Université de Sousse. Université
1. Université Ez-Zitouna
de Monastir counts almost 20,000
(www.uz.rnu.tn)
students and finally, students at
2. Université de Tunis the Université de Sfax are 33,000.
Graduated (www.utunis.rnu.tn) Other universities in the country
students 3. Université de Tunis El Manar have less than 15,000 enrolled
more than (www.utm.rnu.tn) students per year. Only two
57,000 4. Université de Carthage Tunisian Universities were listed
(www.ucar.rnu.tn) in the Times Higher Education
with about
World University Rankings
45% 5. Université de la Manouba
(www.uma.rnu.tn) 2018, namely the Université de
of tertiary graduates in Monastir and the University of
science, technology, 6. Université de Jendouba
Tunis El Manar, both of them
engineering and (www.uj.rnu.tn)
classified at 1000+ position.
mathematics 7. Université de Sousse In particular, Université de
(www.uc.rnu.tn) Monastir was also included in the
8. Université de Monastir ranking for general engineering.
Public Universities (www.um.rnu.tn) Tunisian universities are instead
14 9. Université de Kairouan not included in the QS World
(www.univ-k.rnu.tn) University Rankings.
The biggest universities are
10. Université de Sfax There are also many private
located in the biggest urban
(www.uss.rnu.tn) Universities in Tunisia. According
centres of the country
to the official data from the
11. Université de Gafsa
Ministère de l’Enseignement
(www.ugaf.rnu.tn)
Supérieur et de la Recherche
12. Université de Gabès Scientifique, they were about 70 in
(www.univgb.rnu.tn) 2017.
13. Université virtuelle The Ministry of Vocational
(www.uvt.rnu.tn) Training and Employment in
14. Instituts Supérieurs des Etudes Tunisia organizes vocational
Technologiques () training in 13 sectors: agriculture;
in collaboration
with 21fishing and aquaculture; building, www.innorpi.tn/) provides the
public works and annexes; textile framework for industrial property
and clothing; leather and shoes; issues in Tunisia. Finally, the
general mechanics and metallic Foreign Investment Promotion
construction; electricity and Agency (www.investintunisia.
electronics; food; transport, driving tn), set up in 1995 under the
and maintenance of vehicles and umbrella of the Ministry of
public and agricultural works and Development Investment and
machinery; tourism and hotels; International Cooperation, is in
trades of art and crafts; office, charge of providing all the support
commerce and computing jobs, needed by foreign investors and of
diverse services and industries. promoting foreign investment in
More information is required Tunisia.
to assess the effectiveness of Notably, the Institut National de la
vocational training. Normalisation et de la Propriété
Overall, the Univeristy system
seems to provide a favourable Tunisian
environment where to grow new
capacity and competence in the
government has
field of NPR given also the high established specific
share of graduates students in
the field of science, technology,
technical centers
engineering and mathematics. for supporting
2.4 Innovation innovation in the
and enterprise key industrial
support institutions
Under the umbrella of the
sectors
Ministry of Industry, there are Industrielle (INNORPI) and the
some key agencies for innovation Ministère de l’Enseignement
in Tunisia. Notably, the Agency Supérieur et de la Recherche
for the Promotion of Industry Scientifique are Technology and
and Innovation (http://www. Innovation Support Centers
tunisieindustrie.nat.tn/en/home. (TISCs) for WIPO in Tunisia.
asp) supports all the actions Tunisian government has
for promoting innovation and established specific technical
industry development in Tunisia centers for supporting innovation
including enterprises incubators, in the key industrial sectors
technical centers and technopoles. including, among others,
The Institut National de la wood and furniture industry
Normalisation et de la Propriété (CETIBA, www.cetiba.com.tn),
Industrielle (INNORPI, http:// mechanical and electric industries
22(CETIME, http://www.cetime. rnu.tn), the Technopark of Borj
ind.tn), textiles (CETTEX, www. Cédria for renewable energies,
textiletunisia.com.tn), leather and the Technopark of Bizerte
shoes (CNCC, www.cnccleather. for agribusinees (www.pole-
nat.tn), agribusiness (CTAA, competitivite-bizerte.com.tn)
www.ctaa.com.tn). Finally, there and the Technopark of Sousse for
are some active technoparks like mechanics and electronics.
the Elgazala Technopark (www. In addition to governmental
elgazala.tn) in the field of ICT supporting activities, there are
technologies, the Technopark private initiatives like the National
of Monastir/El Fejja (Manouba) Federation of Food Industry
for textile (www.mfcpole.com. belonging to UTICA.
tn), the Technopark of Gabès
(www.polegabes.com.tn), the There are also many incubators,
BiotechPole of Sidi Thabet for public and private that are listed
biotechnology (www.biotechpole. below:
• Nabeul Elan Technologique - BP 209 - Espace ISET de Nabeul –
8000 Nabeul
• Sfax Innovation - ENIS Sfax - Km3 - Route de la soukra - Cité El
Habib – 3052
• Gafsa Technologie du Futur - Espace ISET de Gafsa – Sidi Ahmed
Zarrouk – 2100
• Gabès Promotech - Espace ISET de Gabès – Route Mednine – 6011
• Radès Technologie Plus - Espace ISET de Radès – Rue de Jérusalem
– BP 172 – 2098
Sousse Tech - Espace ISET de Sousse - Cité Erriadh – 4023
• Kairouan Innovation Technologique - Espace ISET de Kairouan-
Rakkada – 3191
• Pépinière des Initiatives Innovantes (Ksar Hellal) - Espace ISET de
Ksar Hellal - Avenue Haj
• Le Kef Essor Technologique - Espace ISET- Boulifa - Le Kef – 7100
• Jendouba Créatic - Espace ISET de Jendouba – 8189
• Djerba Création et Innovation - BP 461 - Espace ISET - Midoune
Djerba 4116
• Mahdia Entreprendre - Espace ISET - Avenue El Mourouj - Hiboune
5111 – Mehdia
in collaboration
with 23• Centre d’Innovation et de Développement (INSAT) - BP 676 - Centre
Urbain Nord - 1080 Tunis
• Carthage Innovation (EPT) - BP 743 - Centre d’Appui Scientifique -
Ecole Polytechnique de Tunisie - La Marsa 2070
• Zaghouan Terre d’Entreprendre - Espace ISET- Zaghouan
• Pépinière de Bizerte - Espace ISET Manzel Abderrahman 7035
• Pépinière de Kébili - Espace ISET Kébili 4200 Kébili
• Pépinière de Siliana - Espace ISET Siliana 6100 Siliana
• Pépinière de Manouba - ISCAE Campus Universitaire de la Manouba
La Manouba, 2010
• Pépinière de Béja - Espace ISET Béjà
• Pépinière de Sidi Bouzid -Espace ISET Sidi Bouzid
• Pépinière de Kasserine - Espace ISET Kasserine
• Pépinière de Tataouine - Direction Régionale de l’API Tataouine
• Pépinière de Tozeur - Espace ISET Tozeur
• Pépinière de Sfax2 - Zone Industrielle La Poudrière II
• Pépinière de Soft-tech - Technopole de sousse
2.5 Linkages between
the institutions
Industrial associations and
governmental agencies and
centers for innovation provide a
potential framework for linkages
between institutions.
However, these structures appear
to be enforced with specific
competence end capacity to
catalyse and boost endemic
innovations. Overall, the linkage
between public institutions
and private companies needs
to be improved being one of
the most relevant weakness for
competitiveness in the country.
243.
Once we have gathered all the for the realization of the report
information from section 1 and 2018 about economic investments
after exploring the national in Tunisia.
structural composition in section
2, we can now give a few key 3.1.2 Agency for the Promotion
actors that could facilitate a of Industry and Innovation
Conclusions future development of the nation.
Furthermore, we can bring to the
The Agency for the Promotion
of Industry and Innovation, API,
attention of the reader the actions has been created in 1972 under
believed to be the most promising the umbrella of the Ministry of
to be taken, in order to lever the Industry and Trade. The Agency is
choice on the learning needs responsible for the implementation
necessary for the future AILs. of the Government’s policies
relative to the promotion of the
3.1
Key actors in the industrial sector and provides a
national innovation support structure for companies
system and promoters. The agency is
There are some key actors that organized in 5 branches, each with
may support the introduction of a specific role in the innovation
NPR in Tunisia belonging both to ecosystem. Especially, the Center
the public and private sectors. of Innovation and Technological
Development (CIDT) aims at
3.1.1 Union Tunisienne de the promoting innovation,
l’Industrie, du Commerce et de partnership and technological
l’Artisanat (UTICA) development, coaching, assistance
The “Union Tunisienne de and support to SMES; furthermore,
l’Industrie, du Commerce et the Support Center for Enterprise
de l’Artisanat”, UTICA, was Establishment (CSCE) is
established in 1947 with the responsible for training in the field
aim of grouping private players of business creation and logistics
from different economic sectors for country enterprise incubators.
with the exception of agriculture. Notably, the API has promoted
Today, it counts almost 150,000 the first Tunisian conference on
enterprises most of them being Industry 4.0 in 2017 (http://
SMEs. www.tunisieindustrie.nat.tn/
The UTICA has the mission to smartindustrie/home.asp).
support private companies in
doing innovation with a recent 3.1.3 Université de Tunis El Manar
attention given to the potential of The University of Tunis El Manar
digital economy. UTICA has signed counts around 33,000 and has
a memorandum of understanding been listed in the Times Higher
with the Oxford Business Group Education World University
in collaboration
with 25Rankings 2018. hosts support institutions for
The university is constituted of training and formation with
15 organizational units consisting the aim to create synergy and
in 4 faculties, 9 institutes and 2 cross-fertilization between these
schools. Notably, the Faculté des actors. More than 250 companies
Sciences Economiques et de Gestion including 10 subsidiaries of
de Tunis (FSEGT), the Faculté des major global groups (Microsoft,
Sciences Mathématiques Physiques ST Microelectronics, Ericsson,
et Naturelles de Tunis (FST), the Alcatel Lucent, ...) as well as
Institut Supérieur d'Informatique Tunisian success stories (Telnet,
(ISI) and the Ecole Nationale Omniacom, Picosoft, Cynapsys,
d'Ingénieurs de Tunis (ENIT) EBSYS ...) are hosted in different
may provide a potential great spaces in Technopark Elgazala.
contribution for innovation in NPR
in the country. 3.2 Challenging,
It is also remarkable the starting opportunities and
of a programme for E-learning learning needs
developed together with the
l'Université Virtuelle de Tunis Tunisia shows
(UVT) an articulate
3.1.4 Elgazala Technopark innovation
The Elgazala Communication
Technologies Cluster "Elgazala
ecosystem that
Technopark” is part of a national is promising for
strategy for the development and
promotion of scientific research,
introducing the
innovation and high value-added NPR in the country
innovation. The Technopark
Elgazala promotes innovation Tunisia shows an articulate
in the field of ICT combining innovation ecosystem that is
together the development of small promising for introducing the NPR
and medium enterprises as well in the country. Human capital is
as relation with multinationals well developed with significant
and large groups in the sector of investments in basic education
Information Technologies and and a well-established university
Communication. Its main purpose system, among the best performing
is to support the development in Africa. Although the service
of high-tech activities, promote sector is the most relevant for the
research, development and Tunisia economy, the industrial
technology transfer. system is also well established with
In addition, the The Technopark some important manufacturing
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