Science and technology in Algeria
Since its independence, Algeria has made major technological advances, especially in the steel and petrochemical industries. However, Algeria still has a severe shortage of skilled workers and is heavily dependent on foreign technologies.
Scientific training is principally conducted at the Houari Boumedienne University of Sciences and Technology ; the Oran University of Sciences and Technology ; the universities of Annaba ; Blida, Boumerdes ; Constantine ; Oran Es-senia ; Tlemcen ; and the Ferhat Abbas-Setif University of Setif.
In 1987–97, science and engineering students accounted for 58% of college and university enrollments. The government’s National Bureau of Scientific Research operates 18 research centers in biology; anthropology; oceanography and fisheries; astronomy, astrophysics, and geophysics; renewable energy; arid zones; technology transfer; and other fields.
In 2002, Algeria’s high technology exports totaled $21 million, four percent of the nation’s manufactured exports.