The Algerian University and the entrepreneurship challenge: the dilemma of "Administrative Quantity" vs "Economic Quality"

Abstract

This study examines university innovation in Algeria under Ministerial Decision 1275 and its subsequent amendments, Decisions 004 and 008 of 2025, focusing on the dilemma of “administrative quantity” versus “economic quality.” It aims to assess whether the growing number of university projects reflects genuine entrepreneurial readiness. The study adopts descriptive-analytical and comparative approaches, comparing local statistics with international indicators such as Startup Ranking and StartupBlink. The findings reveal a significant gap between the reported 13,000 local projects and Algeria’s 109th position in the IBEI 2026 index, due partly to conceptual confusion between ideas and actual enterprises and limited digital transparency. The study also shows that focusing on technological maturity while neglecting Business Readiness Level (BRL) may lead to “truncated growth” after graduation. It concludes by proposing a dual screening model based on the TRL-BRL matrix, supported by FRL and HRL indicators, to promote sustainable market-oriented enterprises.