Choosing a project idea and establishing a startup in sociology or psychology can create confusion and uncertainty for students regarding how to develop and implement their ideas, given the specific nature of these disciplines. In response to this challenge, the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences organized a study day on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, chaired by Dr. Djamila Ben Hamel, entitled “Startups and Entrepreneurship in the Social Sciences: Approaches and Challenges.”
A key feature of this event was the collaboration between the institutes and academic disciplines of the University Centre of Maghnia. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the study day was organized through coordination between the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, particularly its Department of Sociology, and the Centre for Support and Skills Development, including its various units, foremost among them the Business Incubator.
The event opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, delivered to the audience by student Anis Belahcen.
Following the Algerian national anthem, Professor Mourad Naoum, Director of the University Centre of Maghnia and Honorary Chair of the Study Day, delivered the opening and welcoming address. He praised the remarkable initiatives undertaken by the newly established Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, led by Dr. Hosni Hamra, together with Dr. Djamila Ben Hamel, Head of the Department, and their administrative team.
He also highlighted the significant progress made in entrepreneurship, as reflected in the encouraging figures recorded by the Business Incubator, particularly among students in this field participating under Ministerial Decision No. 1275. He emphasized the substantial progress achieved, especially given that entrepreneurship had initially posed a challenge for students in this discipline as they embraced entrepreneurial thinking and pursued their own projects. Their progress demonstrated a growing ability to overcome the fears and hesitation observed when Decision No. 1275 was first introduced.
In her opening presentation, Dr. Djamila Ben Hamel, Chair of the Study Day and Head of the Department of Social Sciences, addressed some of the uncertainties experienced by students, particularly those who had recently enrolled. She explained that such questions were natural for newcomers to university life, as the first and second years serve as introductory stages intended to raise awareness and prepare students for future opportunities.
Addressing these concerns was one of the main objectives of the study day. The presentations delivered by Dr. Mohamed Amine Derfouf, Director of the Business Incubator, and Dr. Amine Bouterfas, Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, helped answer the questions raised and clarify the available pathways for students interested in entrepreneurship.
Further contributions were made by Dr. Halima Belarbi, Head of the Liaison Centre, as well as lecturers from various institutes, who shared valuable insights and expertise. Their contributions enriched the academic programme and provided useful guidance, particularly for students of the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as the wider student community at the University Centre of Maghnia.
