The observatory of Algerian Agronomic Research: an Integration of Scientific Collective Intelligence in the Development Process [Abstract]

Abstract

Information management in organisations has given rise to areas whose complexity can be compared to that of cities. The coexistence of information spaces  often fragmented and juxtaposed  and the magnitude of changes of all types – from societal to technological - lead scientists to think about integration of information systems to meet multiple needs in a global vision.  This paper describes an original experience aimed at designing an integrated information system for agricultural research in Algeria. The project is based on an open source web platform within the SIST (Scientific and Technical Information System) project, which was supported by French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The Observatory of Algerian Agricultural Research pulls together the main sources of information and knowledge - publications, laboratories, researchers - in a unique web platform which can be viewed as an effort to build a collective intelligence. In so doing, the project also serves as a tool to drive change within organisations. The Observatory of Algerian Agricultural Research concept shows how designing a scientific information system can do more than simply meeting the need to display results.  It can also become a decision support tool for research activities and serve as a public policy enabler, which allows for pooling resources and facilitating dissemination of results amongst various actors. Other outcomes that are expected from this project are new approaches of research scheduling.