Strategic planning of scientific research activities: What is the added value for Algerian research institutions?

Abstract Strategic planning becomes, nowadays, an integral part of higher education institutions management. It aims at supporting universities and colleges to anticipate changes, mobilize institutional energies and potentials around a shared vision and face new challenges. In spite of the well-acknowledged added value of strategic planning in higher education institutions worldwide, it still has not received enough attention within Algerian research institutions where traditional long-run planning is still prevailing. The present article aims at exploring the practice of research planning among Algerian research institutions focusing on its main elements, namely planning model, setting research priorities, alignment of objectives, research project planning, criteria of validating research projects, researchers' motivations and research projects monitoring. The article also highlights the potential value that strategic planning can deliver to help Algerian research institutions improve their performance and achieve their goals.