TAM Report / Algeria - Modernization of governance of HEIs

GENERAL INFORMATION

tam title: Towards the modernization of Governance in Algeria’s Higher Education Institutions

Type of Event: Workshop

Modality: Hybrid

Location: University of Biskra

Country: Algeria

Dates: 28 – 29 October 2024

Participants: The workshop gathered 60 on-site participants and 89 online participants, bringing together a broad representation from across the Algerian higher education system. Participants included rectors, vice-rectors, deans, heads of departments, university managers, quality assurance experts, HEREs, academics, and ministry representatives. 

THEMES COVERED

• Governance of learning and teaching: principles and practices.
• External quality assurance: accreditation and audit.
• International standards and guidelines, including European models.
• Evolution of the Algerian higher education system and governance reforms.
• Implementation and strengthening of internal quality assurance mechanisms.
• Digitalisation and harmonisation of information systems in HEIs.
• University–society cooperation and performance-based governance approaches

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

• Gained a clearer understanding of the governance challenges facing Algerian HEIs.
• Learned from European practices and case studies on governance and quality assurance.
• Explored approaches to accreditation, audit, and performance-based steering mechanisms.
• Strengthened their understanding of internal quality assurance tools and structures.
• Examined ways to operationalise a national strategy for governance reform.
• Identified priority areas for a national governance roadmap.
• Discussed opportunities for collaboration, capacity-building, and international partnerships.

OVERVIEW

The workshop focused on the modernization of governance in Algerian higher education institutions, bringing together experts, academic leaders, policymakers, and quality assurance specialists. Over two days, participants examined current governance structures, explored international practices, and discussed how best to strengthen institutional autonomy, quality assurance, and alignment with national and international standards. The event facilitated rich discussions on governance challenges, opportunities for reform, and the development of a roadmap to guide future actions.

Through thematic presentations, case studies, and structured debates, the workshop created an interactive environment for sharing experiences and identifying priorities for system-wide improvement. The event concluded with the drafting of key areas for a governance roadmap, setting the basis for follow-up work at national level and future capacity-building activities.

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Title of the activity: Webinar on: Road Map for Modernization of Governance in Algeria Higher Education Institutions

Dates: 28 November 2024

Audience: The audience consisted mainly of representatives from HEIs, including vice-rectors for external relations, teaching, and post-graduation and research, as well as directors of higher schools, deputy directors for cooperation, and national and regional focal points involved in CBHE project development. A total of 127 individuals registered, representing the three Regional Conferences and the HEREs, with 58 participants attending the entire webinar.

Description: The follow-up webinar provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of key governance concepts, address participants’ questions, and reflect collectively on the outcomes of the Technical Assistance Mission (TAM) held on 28–29 October at the University of Biskra. The main objective of the meeting was to present and discuss the results of the TAM, with a particular focus on the recommendations formulated for strengthening governance practices in Algerian HEIs. 

During the discussion, several institutions shared their experiences with accreditation processes carried out as part of CBHE Erasmus+ projects, noting that these practices serve as valuable benchmarks for the wider sector. Participants emphasized the importance of disseminating these outcomes to other universities and highlighted the need for the ministry to organise additional seminars to showcase successful experiences and challenges encountered. The experts present analysed the recommendations and proposed drafting a roadmap to support the Ministry of Higher Education in advancing governance reforms. To support this process, the EU expert shared useful documents and tools drawn from international and European best practices.

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

• Operationalise a national strategy for higher education governance through coordinated planning, performance indicators, and clear strategic objectives.
• Strengthen the accreditation system, including robust internal QA structures and support for institutions conducting self-evaluations and external reviews.
• Enhance institutional autonomy and governance capacity, supported by training for managers and quality assurance staff.
• Develop and expand digital information systems to harmonise processes and improve efficiency, transparency, and data security.
• Promote peer learning and networking among universities to exchange practices and improve internal QA systems.
• Pilot innovative governance tools, such as performance agreements and pilot accreditations in volunteering universities.

• Foster collaboration with external stakeholders, including industry and international partners, to strengthen governance relevance and impact.

   

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

• ESAGOV Project (n.d.). ESAGOV – Strengthening governance and quality culture in Algerian higher education institutions (598537-EPP-1-2018-1-IT-EPPKA2-CBHE-SP). Available at: https://esagovproject.eu/en/project/