Enhancing Scientific and technological cooperation among Islamic countries-web portal of scientific Institutions of
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S&T COOPERATION AMONG MUSLIM COUNTRIES
The search for knowledge and the use of logic, based on sense of observation is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman. The traditions of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) complement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way:
"Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears."
1. HISTORY
The Muslim experience comprises of a golden era, from the tenth to thirteenth century A.D, and an ensuing collapse. It was at the turn of the nineteenth century that Muslims took a dynamic, though stumbling, course towards wielding science. The backwardness of Muslims in science and technology is specifically fascinating given that Muslims were world leaders in science and technology a millennium ago -- something that differentiates them from the people of Latin America or Sub-Saharan Africa.
1.1 Golden Period
The period, 900 to 1200 A .D. represents the approximate apogee of Muslim science, which flourished in Baghdad , Damascus , Cairo , and Cordoba , among other cities. Major progress was made in areas such as medicine, agronomy, botany, mathematics, chemistry, and optics. When Muslims vied with Chinese for intellectual and scientific leadership, Europe was lagging far behind the two.
1.2 Decline
Things started to go wrong in the early thirteenth century A.D, when the Muslim world began to stagnate and Europeans moved ahead. Even revisionist historians, who challenge this date, as the time when decline set in, do accept that decline eventually took place.
Decline in science was result of many factors, including the erosion of large-scale agriculture and irrigation systems, the Mongol and other Central Asian invasions, political instability, and the rise of religious intolerance. In particular, there was also the rise of some perverse ideas that caused despair of wielding scientific and technological knowledge.
1.3 The revitalization of science
Enlightenment in Europe made European science accessible to the Muslim world. The former detached science from Christianity, thereby making it palatable to Muslims. The latter, and especially Napoleon's invasion of Egypt in 1798, with its entourage of scholars and supplementary mission of knowledge, imposed European power on and brought European science to a Muslim people. Within years, some rulers recruited European technicians and sent students to Europe .
1.4 Technology prevails
An extraordinarily rapid diffusion of Western technologies throughout most of the Islamic countries took place in the period 1850-1914. With the approval of local elite, European colonial authorities imposed public-health measures to contain cholera, malaria, and other contagious diseases.
The Suez Canal , opened in 1869, decreased shipping time and distance and generated new trade. Railways, telegraphs, steamships and steam engines, automobiles, and telephones all appeared. Much of this technology transfer took the form of governments' granting monopoly concessions to European firms. This first occurred in Egypt . Officials in most Islamic countries showed little concern about developing indigenous capabilities in technology adaptation, design, or maintenance.
Science was a reflection, at best embedded in scientific technologies but not transferred explicitly as knowledge or method. Instead, members of minority communities continued to intermediate by providing clerical and skilled labor. Minorities also helped to establish the first Western education institutions in the Arab region, such as the Syrian Protestant College in Beirut (founded in 1866) and the Jesuits' St. Joseph 's College (founded in 1875). These schools and others in Istanbul , Tunis , Tehran , Algiers and elsewhere primarily served minority communities and Europeans, though some elite Muslims also attended. Middle Eastern medical schools quickly accepted and taught the medical discoveries of Pasteur, Koch and others concerning microbes and bacteria.
The schools contributed to the translation and publication in Arabic of major scientific work and to the organization of the first scientific societies in the region. Such societies were founded in Beirut , Cairo , Damascus , and Istanbul in the late nineteenth century, often sponsoring journals that featured translations. Thus, Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, published in 1859, was translated in Arabic journals by 1876, though not in book form until 1918. Throughout this period, Muslim intellectuals presented minimal resistance to the diffusion of Western scientific ideas. For example, the major opposition to Darwinian ideas of evolution came not from Muslim scholars but from Eastern-rite Christians.
1.5 Science stagnates
In the 1914 to 1945 period, Muslims slowly, and often in desperation, tried to reinforce indigenous science against the imported variety. New universities with an emphasis on engineering and medicine sprang up in Egypt , Turkey , Syria , Sudan , Algeria and Iran . However, the occupation of Palestine and the ensuing 1948 Arab-Israeli war, commingled with the reduced rate of employment for graduates and increased discontent over the dominant role of expatriates and minorities, constrained science and technology.
The nationalist politicians who arose after World War-I mainly concentrated on gaining independence; science and technology hardly concerned them. Except for Turkey, which after 1922 launched programme of industrialization and an expansion of engineering education, and Egypt, which established the University of Egypt in 1908 (later named Fouad 1st University in 1925) (Cairo University), few attempts were made at industrialization to serve small local markets.
Turnkey, off-the-shelf projects prevailed, especially in engineering; this meant that few scientific inputs existed, most technologies were imported, maintenance was a persistent problem, and limited shop-floor learning took place.
Only in the petroleum industry, which after 1914 took on major proportions in Iran , Iraq , and Saudi Arabia , did the pattern differ, for multinational firms subcontracted locally tasks such as maintenance engineering and geological surveying.
1.6 Contemporary Situation
The current level of efforts in science and technology in Muslim countries is much below than desired. The scientific and technological gap between Muslim and the developed countries is widening with every passing day. There is not enough emphasis on basic and applied research, whereas developed countries have been allocating substantial funds to develop research in this area.
Therefore, the need of the hour for Muslim countries is to learn lessons from such success stories and formulate policies that aim at streamlining research efforts, both in the public and private sector. There is a critical need for close coordination and cooperation between the public and the private sector, both at the stage of identification and solicitation of ideas, as well as at the implementation-stage.
It is imperative for Muslim countries, to realize the importance and long-term impact of scientific research, in order to overcome the threat of exclusion from the race for economic prosperity. It is also very important to encourage and involve the youth in the research process, thereby harnessing their tremendous potential. In the words quoted by the 1979 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam from Pakistan, “in the condition of modern life, the rule is absolute: the race which does not value trained intelligence is doomed….today we maintain ourselves, tomorrow science will have moved over one step and there will be no appeal from the judgment, which will be pronounced…on the uneducated. We must arouse the spiritual energies, particularly of the younger generation, for science and technology”.
The present situation of S&T in Muslim countries can be discussed by covering the following abroad topics:
1.6.1 Development of S&T Human Resources
The economic progress of any developing nation relies mostly on its Science and Technology base and its application to the major segments of Agriculture, Transport, Industry, Education, Health and Environment. The origin of this recognition is easily traced to the existence of a world-wide distinction between the developed and the developing nations, based largely on the situation of their S&T process. It, however, is also a fact that, given the political will and ingredients of optimum S&T inputs, the developing countries can start and then reinforce their economic growth. In this connection the examples of Germany in Europe and Japan and Korea in Asia can be stated.
In spite of this, however, it is another stark reality that the Muslim countries belong to the slowly developing region of the world although they have been trying to implement their developmental plans for the past few decades. Because of this, significant concern has been shown in recent years and they now have started, though late, to take stock of the situation. For obvious reasons the understanding is a welcome sign but the challenge ahead is gigantic. The two valuable elements of this "prosperity prescription", the trained manpower (specifically the R&D manpower) and the expenditure for R&D are unluckily in short supply throughout the Muslim World.
The Muslim World, comprising 57 independent countries, stretching from Indonesia to Morocco , has a total population size of over 1.4 billion (25% of the world population). On an average, only 55% of this population is educated. The total stock of S&T manpower of the Muslim world is presently reported to be about 7.6 million, which represents only 3.7% of the world's S&T manpower. Even more serious is the fact that the R&D manpower of Muslim countries is only 1.18% of the total S&T manpower. This obviously shows that there is a shortage of S&T manpower and particularly of quality R&D manpower in the Muslim world. Resultantly, no real and substantial development has been possible in the past four decades. A number of publications have provided compilations of S&T and R&D statistics related to various countries of the Muslim World. A quick review of these facts and figures reveals that most of these countries have a weak Research and Development base that needs considerable strengthening for R&D to become the basis of indigenous development.
1.6.2 R&D Culture and Environment
R&D culture and environment is lacking in most of the Islamic countries. This is obvious from the small number of research publications in international journals coming out from these countries and the lack of government support to the research scientists. The expenditure on R&D as percentage of GNP in Islamic countries is also much smaller than the world average. Senior officials have much better status than the scientists and engineers. This is not so in the developed world, where respect for research and scholarship is very high among the Government and even the common man has a very high regard for a Professor. Of course, the output of research publications is much higher for the advanced countries and all this shows a conducive culture for research in these countries. It is an eye opener to see that the share of journal publications from all the Muslim countries put together is less than the share of journal publications of only one small European country - Belgium . There is an obvious dependence of the economic level of a country on the state of the development of S&T of course with the exception of those few countries where the natural resources are in excess. This in turn shows the importance of R&D manpower in the realm of S&T as well as the expenditure on R&D in Science and Technology sector in relation to the economic welfare of the people.
1.6.3 Scientific and Technical Education
Scientific education is by far the most important factor that influences growth and development in a country. Resultantly, big strides in economic spheres can be taken only if a systematic emphasis is laid, right from the beginning, on scientific and technological education at various levels of the educational system of a country. In the past, major attempts have been made by Muslim countries to recast the educational system. However, the super-structure based on the old and worn-out foundations generally could not withstand the pressure of new demands and requirements of the modern times.
At present, level of science education in most of the Islamic countries is far from satisfactory. In quantitative terms, on an average, only about 35% of students are studying science at the higher secondary level and about 20% at the university level. This output of the science graduates of various types and levels tend to be low, considering the massive development-requirements of different countries. In particular, the poor teaching and the high failure-rates, particularly of science graduates at various levels is disappointing. The situation of teachers, equipment and facilities is equally disappointing and depressing.
1.6.4 S&T Education for Women
Education of Muslim women in Science and Technology could provide immense economic benefit to society. It could ensure that these members of the Ummah, forming half the adult population, who spend so much time with children, should be able to instill in the younger generation not only the usual qualities of character but also genuine and sound respect for knowledge and learning, together with the necessary motivation for acquiring such knowledge.
1.6.5 Brain Drain
Brain drain is a phenomenon affecting the developing countries in general, by a continuous loss of technical and scientific manpower to the developed countries. This phenomenon has been affecting the Muslim countries very seriously. During the last 20 years, countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, Syria, Bangladesh, Turkey, Algeria, Lebanon and Jordan have lost a considerable number of high level highly trained personnel to the industrialized world which amounts to losses worth billions of dollars. Other less developed Muslim countries are being added to this list. This phenomenon will affect almost all the Muslim world sooner or later.
One can estimate the number of people with high level competence that have migrated from the Third World to the industrialized world during the last two decades at about 500,000. The majority has gone to the USA , Western Europe , Canada and Australia . Asia has contributed 55% of this loss. Among the biggest losers of the Muslim World in Asia are three countries: Iran , Pakistan and Turkey ; while the three biggest losers in the Arab group are: Syria , Jordan and Lebanon . Pakistan , for instance, has been losing about 60% of all medical practitioners from every year's graduates, while Iran and Syria have been losing about 40% and 30% respectively. The losses of the African group have been directed more specifically towards Western Europe . Starting in 1975, about one-third highly competent North African manpower has migrated to France . For example, it is noted that in African countries, most science teachers are white French, while the majority of indigenous engineers and scientists have left to work abroad.
2. FOSTERING COOPERATION IN S&T
It is unfortunate that Muslim world has not fully realized the importance of advancement in Science and Technology. The result is an increasing dependency of Muslim countries on the technologically advanced world and a widening technological gap between the two worlds. Closer understanding among Muslim countries is essential towards the development of long lasting partnerships. Such understanding is often the product of deliberate and conscious efforts over a period of time. This intimate relationship is poorly developed and has not taken a firm root among Muslim countries. Given limited resources, both financial and manpower, amongst Muslim countries, cooperation for S&T efforts has become crucial. Pockets of excellence exist among Muslim countries in specific technologies, for example, petroleum engineering; micro-chip design; highway construction; and water desalination. This expertise can be shared and enhanced through joint projects among interested parties. This cooperation can also focus on the new and emerging technologies, particularly, in specific applications that build on the comparative advantage of Muslim countries. Research partnerships in the basic sciences, particularly, in the emerging technologies are vital for enhancing our mastery of these technologies.
2.1 Benefits and Feasibility of S&T Cooperation
Despite all the difficult challenges, S&T cooperation is inevitable for Muslim countries. Certain assumptions have been motivating the people from Muslim Countries to enhance S&T cooperation. They are:
· The trends and examples set by the developed countries prove that S&T is indispensable for improving the quality of life.
· The main underlying assumption is that most of the developing countries have adequate resources necessary to launch S&T based Industrial Development.
· Not many mega S&T projects have been launched in the Muslim Countries. At the same time, many Muslim countries have abundant manpower and material. Employment of these resources can produce products at globally competitive rates. The presence of big market gaps and cheap labor and material make broad-based S&T cooperation viable.
· The advancement in Information and Communication Technologies has made it easy to access the developmental ideas originating from developed countries. Bulk of information available also highlights the shortcomings of various programs of the developed countries. Catching up with North in this particular regard has greatly aided to the advantage of the Muslim countries.
2.2 Indicators for International Cooperation in S&T
Science and Technology (S & T) System is often described as a system comprising of all the institutions/ organizations essential to the education of scientific people, for example, R&D institutions, professional societies, professional organizations associate individual scientists to others and to their socio-economic environment. The theoretical and experimental literature on S&T recognizes the imperative role of science and technology in promoting economic growth and development process in both the developed and the developing countries.
The literature on S&T development often distinguishes between input (resources) and output (performance) indicators. For example, the European Second Report on S&T Indicators (1997) describes numerous traditional input (resources) and output (performance) indicators for S&T development.
“First, the input (resources) indicators are often classified into Financial and Human resources or input indicators. First Financial resource or input indicator includes R&D expenditure- the most widely accepted indicator for evaluating and comparing S&T efforts in different countries and regions. Often, the level/ intensity of R&D expenditure is measured as a percentage of GDP or per capita to assess both area of performance and origin of funding. Second, in addition to financial resources, human resources are central to research and technological innovation activities. Human Resources in Science and Technology (HRST) (such as the number of science and technology graduates and the number of scientists and engineers employed in R&D) are one of the key resources for economic growth, competitiveness and more general social, economic and environmental improvement.
Generally speaking, indicators allow us to take stock - to see where we are in relation to where we would like to be. They enable this to be done in relation to ourselves, to other institutions in our own community and to others in other communities. They also allow us to determine whether we are meeting our cultural and legal responsibilities - nationally and internationally. Thus, in the S&T context, indicators are measures by which we can analyze how we are performing with and for S&T programs. At the institutional level, indicators are used to develop, analyze, and track policies and actions and to measure the consequences of policies and programs. In this context we must also be aware that the choice of a particular indicator may well influence the further development of a 'policy or program: if a government is focusing on R&D/gross domestic product, it may invest too heavily in R&D activities to the detriment of other S&T activities.
International cooperation is hard to quantify and still more difficult to measure, yet indicators of the level of cooperation are needed. Governments agree that actions associated with international cooperation in S&T are important and that it is important to have national policies regarding international cooperation in S&T.
2.3 The Way Forward
Science is a major asset of humanity. It is an asset that in the 21st century offers new opportunities and faces new challenges as well as old ones, challenges related to the prevalence of sustainable development, justice, tolerance, dialogue between civilizations and peace. The Muslim science/academic community must lead the way in bridging the prevailing civilisational, social, economic and even political divides between the peoples of the Muslim nations.
There is great need to increase institutional and international academic and scientific cooperation to help Muslim countries build up their S&T capacity. It is also essential to urge advanced countries to facilitate the opportunities for scientists of the Muslim countries in terms of under-graduate, post-graduate and post-doctorate studies in the North for building up the critical mass of scientists and technologists in poor countries.
Muslim countries should also form International Scientific Unions in diverse subjects of science. They should establish international centers of scientific research, hold international scientific conferences and encourage their R & D personnel to attend international scientific conferences in other countries.
The renaissance of science within the Muslim countries is contingent upon five cardinal preconditions: passionate commitment, generous patronage, provision of security, self-governance and internationalization of scientific enterprises.
The following major issues, which are related to the S&T cooperation of Muslim countries, must be addressed:
2.3.1 Realizing the Suitability of the Type of Research
An issue which has invited views from various schools of thought is that of the relative importance of different kinds of researches; whether target-oriented research needs emphasis or the curiosity-driven basic research. As Muslim countries get on a mission to utilize research for their developmental objectives, it is surely necessary to determine what kind of research is more useful for their cause.
On the one end, it is argued that due to various constraints, focus should be on the goal-oriented research with defined objectives; while on the other end, it is believed that the major developments in the fields of science and technology are derived from curiosity-driven research. This issue has major impact on the national interests and development of new industries as well as in making long-term contributions to other strata of societal development.
An interesting factor to note is the linkage between the basic and industrial research. For instance, evidence indicates that considerable majority of scientists, involved in the study and treatment of common human diseases, should work closely with the clinical scientists as this approach results in the overall progress of research efforts and in the improvement of results.
This co-evolution persists and basic research has proved to be a part and parcel of technology development. Therefore, the term “co-evolution of science and society” means essentially the co-evolution of both the basic and industrial science and the society. Advancements in technology are invariably accompanied by social changes as a consequence of changing economies and changing lifestyles.
2.3.2 Scientific Research and the Issues of Funding
Experts in Muslim countries have been voicing their concern over lack of funding for scientific and technological research. Compared to the allocation of resources for the field in the developed countries, Muslim countries have been unable to direct any substantial funds for the advancement in S&T research. It has been observed that governments and other sources of funding in Muslim countries, are reluctant to invest in research that does not have clearly defined goals, and it is usually preferred to allocate funds and resources in target-oriented research. In such a scenario, it does make sense to create and manage a diversified portfolio of research options, which includes both types of research projects, i.e. basic and industrial research projects. In this way, not only can risk be lessened but an optimal balance can be maintained.
There is, however, a positive change in this regard, as various Muslim countries now have a greater understanding of the potential and usefulness of scientific and technological research. Example of Pakistan can be taken for instance, where there has been a record increase in the budget for science and technology and it is hoped that this would be on a consistent basis. Other Muslim countries ought to follow suit and seek ways and means to give this sector its due importance.
It is also argued that allocation of funds and other resources should be made on the basis of relative importance for the country. Research may also be oriented towards making maximum use of the country’s natural resources and aimed at harnessing the potential of human resources.
2.3.3 Need for Exchange of Information and Resources
At a national level, Muslim countries have been able to show some encouraging results on the scientific and technological fronts, but the need still remains for mutual cooperation and sharing of information, resources and expertise.
While noticing the national-level developments in the Muslim countries, it can be observed that Turkey has been able to achieve the objective of integrating the efforts of its public and private sectors in various fields of science and technology. Malaysia , making vigorous applied research effort, has achieved considerable success, especially in the high-tech areas. Indonesia has also been following a research policy that aims at encouraging research in the high-tech areas. Pakistan has recently started putting a well-directed research effort but there is a considerable need for improvement, especially in the pace of implementation and in cost-efficiency.
Other Muslim countries, notably United Arab Emirates , Kuwait and Saudi Arabia , have all been investing heavily in research and development but the overall quality of research has been questionable, because of the non-achievement of desired output.
The basic lesson that the Muslim countries can learn from one another’s experience is that it is in their interest to ensure mutual cooperation and assistance that can benefit all of them. If one country is doing well in Nuclear Technology (e.g., Pakistan ) and another in some other high-tech areas (e.g. Malaysia ), cooperation with one another can be of considerable mutual benefit. Be it the areas of information dissemination, transfer of technology, exchange of scientists, or any other field, it is an imperative step forward to strengthen partnerships and thus attain progress in various fields of science and technology.
2.3.4 Action Plan for the Muslim World
Learning from lessons of the deadly Second World War, Muslim countries like Pakistan and Iraq embarked on gigantic project-type enterprise development in the fields of electronics, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals and space research so that they could leap forward from the level of low development in their respective countries. They pursued this type of development with vigour and started nuclear programmes that mobilized thousands of technicians and cost millions of dollars but failed to meet the basic power-demands of their people.
The prerequisites of the process of development are modern agriculture, industrial systems, and education. The misconception that nuclear-energy and satellite space-programmes would convert countries into high-tech industrialized states proved wrong, when they had to bear heavy economic and political costs. The lesson learnt is that Muslim countries should not expect to follow the research model that led to the scientific revolution in developed countries like the United States .
Instead, Muslim countries must first adapt and develop relevant technologies, appropriate to their own local needs and conditions, so that they may strengthen their system of education, expand their roles as advisors, both in the government and the industry. Cooperation and coordination among them may help to learn from each other experiences and follow the best examples available in their regions suitable to their own needs, environment and circumstances.
2.3.5 Setting Priorities for cooperation amongst the Islamic countries
Muslim countries need to identify areas of S&T cooperation since silver lining exists in these countries that only need to be explored and exploited for benefiting one another. Research in the field of S&T should be made integral part of the overall national development policy, for it will help identify the areas for cooperation. Muslim countries should focus on existing as well as new modes of production to promote sustainable development, effective management practices and efficient uses of natural resources. Muslim countries should focus on emerging technologies for breakthrough in the future; for this purpose the S&T cooperation should be in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, etc., and after doing so, their governments should focus on strengthening the national S&T institution facilities wise, as well as capacity building of the human resources.
3. Role of Some Scientific and Technological Organizations in OIC Member States
It has been observed that cooperation and coordination among the Islamic countries is very weak in the field of Science and Technology. Scientific organizations under OIC are playing a major role in fostering S&T cooperation and networking among the Muslim countries for their common goal of socio-economic uplift.
The prime objectives of the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization is to strengthen and promote cooperation among the Member States and consolidate it in the field of education, science, culture and communication. Another major objective is to consolidate complementarity and to seek to achieve coordination among the specialized institutions of the Organization of the Islamic conference in the field of education, science, culture and communication and among Member States in order to consolidate Islamic solidarity. To enhance cooperation and collaboration for advancement of science and technology, ISESCO has implemented a large number of programmes to enhance interaction among research institutions, universities, science academies and scientific community. ISESCO has stressed through various forums the necessity to initiate bilateral, multilateral and regional cooperation programmes. However, the efforts in this direction may not bear fruits unless the spirit of cooperation is motivated among the Member States.
ISESCO Centre for Promotion of Scientific Research (ICPSR)
The establishment of the ISESCO Centre for Promotion of Scientific Research (ICPSR) was approved by the Second Islamic Conference of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research held in September 2003, in Tripoli, Libya and the decision was subsequently endorsed by the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 20 to 21 Shaaban 1424H (16-17 October 2003). This centre was created to contribute to the promotion of scientific research, innovation, technological development, demonstration activities through implementation of the specific programmes focusing and integrating indigenous research, structuring the scientific research and strengthening the foundations of scientific research.
One of the prime tasks of ICPSR was to develop networking among the research institutions, universities and centre of excellence both at international level as well as national level in order to enhance cooperation and coordination among the Islamic countries in the area of science and technology. ICPSR is implementing integrated programmes and promoting networks of excellence to attain the objectives of critical mass, management simplification and added value contributed by scientific research in relation to what is already undertaken at national level, and of the integration of the research capacities. Networking among the centres of excellence in Islamic countries will provide the basis through which scientific and technological cooperation will be further promoted in the Muslim countries. “Resource Sharing”, “Capacity Building
Following are some other organizations that have been playing a major role in fostering S&T cooperation and networking among the Muslim countries for their common goal of socio-economic uplift:
Islamic Development Bank (IDB)
Functional since 1975, the Islamic Development Bank has 57 member states, all of them are also members of OIC. IDB is involved in the promotion of S & T in the states in members in OIC by:
· Granting loans for productive projects
· Participating in equity capital
· Mobilizing financial resources through Shariah compatible modes
· Assisting in promotion of trade between Muslim countries
· Giving S & T prizes
· Scholarship scheme for PhD and post-doctorate
COMSTECH (OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation)
COMSTECH was established in Islamabad , Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in 1981 on the resolution of the Third Islamic Summit Conference. One of the prime objectives of COMSTECH is to promote cooperation and collaboration amongst the Muslim countries in the fields of science and technology in order to achieve a collective problem solving capability within the Muslim world. COMSTECH has been involved in:
- Assessment of the human and material resources of OIC member states and determination of science and technology needs and requirements.
- Building up the indigenous capability of member states in the fields of science and technology through cooperation and mutual assistance.
- Promotion of cooperation and coordination amongst the member states in science and technology. Creation of an effective institutional structure of planning, research and development and monitoring of science and technology activities in high technology areas.
- Creation of thematic S & T networks in Muslim countries.
COMSTECH has created a decent number of scientific and technological networks in prime areas of science. These networks are playing a major role in enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Islamic countries. COMSTECH implements other programmes enhances S & T cooperation in OIC countries through:
· Research grants for young scientists
· Inter-library resource network
· Scientific literature programme
· Visiting scientists programmes
· Spare parts programme
The Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World
The Federation (FUIW) is a body working within the framework of ISESCO, specializing in supporting Universities and Higher Education institutions of the same level in the Islamic World and encouraging cooperation among them. The Forum of the Federation enables the members get acquainted with one another and co-operate to attain common goals which are difficult and, often, impossible to achieve without coordinating efforts.
The Programmes of the Federation aims at strengthening contacts between the Federation's General Secretariat and the Member Universities Member Universities
There are various scientific and technological organizations in the Islamic countries which are contributing towards promotion of scientific and technical cooperation among the OIC Member States. Further various research and development organizations and institutions in Islamic countries have already initiated joint research projects.
4. WEB PORTAL OF SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES
Science and Technological Research play a more vital role in current era than ever before in the development and well being of every nation. S&T impact lives, livelihoods, growth and progress not only at a collective level but also at the individual and grass-root levels. S&T research resources have the potential to provide solutions to the long lasting problems being faced by their economy, industry, environment and the masses in the consumption of traditional agrarian sources. It is only through devising such solutions that the development of nations can continue without hindrance, and in fact contribute towards sustainable development goals.
For the Muslim countries, production, expansion of resources and exploration of new resources is a must exercise that they need to undertake in an endeavor to ensure their future and sustain their development initiatives. Without efforts to continuously improve and upgrade the existing indigenous S&T research and offer nature-based solutions for the problems, created by synthetic and man-made sources, the objectives of sustainable development would not be attainable.
It is imperative, therefore, to facilitate the exploration, exploitation and identification of possibilities that S&T research has to offer. No doubt these possibilities would provide alternative, economic, environmentally friendly and indigenous-based solutions to today’s pressing needs.
In order to foster the cooperation between the Muslim countries some mechanisms and social networking at global level is required. It is a must that a think tank (of scientists) from Muslim countries be formed, which should look into and improve the national S&T policies of the Muslim countries. Awareness about latest issues in the field of science and technology needs to be created, S&T institutions in these countries need to be networked, besides their up-gradation and capacity building. Best practices and lessons learnt through years of experience and exposure in the scientific fields should be shared. This all can be done by establishing a virtual resource using modern day information communication technology, i.e. the Internet.
The creation of a Web Portal of all scientific and research institutes and universities of the Islamic World, which is being taken up by ICPSR in coordination with COMSATS and the World Islamic Call Society (WICS) on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from OIC countries and of international organizations for cooperation in scientific research. The Web Portal will provide one step forum/platform for information, knowledge and expertise sharing facilitating South-South Cooperation as well as North-South Cooperation. This mechanism is expected to become a modern day tool for OIC countries to exploit it to the maximum gain.The Member States will be encouraged in a common endeavour to step up their coordination and cooperation through the Web portal and networking of research programmes and free circulation of information pertaining to research activities at all levels.
4.1 Objectives
As highlighted, S&T research has the potential to relieve the economic and environmental burden of developing countries. All sectors of the economy and private household consumption stand to greatly benefit with improvement in S&T. The resources naturally exist in countries, however, their efficient exploitation still poses a problem.
There are three factors that impact S&T research directly. These are:
§ Accessibility
§ Acceptability
§ Availability
The second factor – acceptability requires more social change than scientific advancement and poses the greatest challenge. Acceptance and commitment to S&T research must come from government, private industry and the end user to make immense economic impact. It is hoped that this network will help open up discussion between enthusiastic and reluctant partners alike in order to move forward in a positive way. Keeping in view these elements, the network on S&T research will work to attain the following objectives:
There is much benefit to be availed from the network of this nature. The objectives of the network would be:
§ Facilitate pooling of expertise and information and sharing of technological resources amongst participating scientific institutions.
§ Providing access to partners interested in joint activities in research and capacity building through training, exchange of expertise and technology transfer.
§ Sharing of knowledge and R&D facilities at national, regional and international level.
§ Allowing for expanded access to funds for cooperative research efforts
§ Encouraging South-South and North-South cooperation and exchange
§ Sharing information on technologies that are in promising experimental stages and sharing of potentially viable yet new developments.
§ Facilitating cooperative projects that would allow for commercialization of R&D outcomes
§ Providing wider access to new markets for services and products of participating scientific institutions.
§ Building awareness of the importance of S&T research and the benefits of its application by bringing together actors from the private sector, government, international organizations and implementers
§ Sharing of lessons learned and best practices in specific areas of interest
4.2 Detailed Features of the project
4.2.1 Lessons Learned and the Best S&T Practices
This section allows participants of the network to post any case studies from their actual field work and also share their commentary/articles/reports on their experiences. The section has been arranged thematically and country/region-wise.
Institutes
This section of web portal lists all the institutes and universities that are conducting S&T research and/or offering courses on this subject. It includes the profile of each institution.
Databank of Experts
Information about eminent scientists, with their consent, have been made available in this portal. These experts have been grouped according to their research area.
4.2.4 Ongoing S&T National Projects in Institutes
Information on current S&T research projects in developing countries have been covered under this heading. This section helps to provide specific examples of ongoing initiatives in the field.
4.2.5 Success Stories in Science and Technology
Case studies from the developing world show casing successful initiatives and outcomes for beneficiaries.
4.2.6 News and Events
Information about workshops, symposiums, seminars, book launching ceremonies and announcement of any other upcoming events have been made available.
4.2.7 Publications
Participants of the network may post their publications on the portal as a way of sharing knowledge and expertise.
4.2.8 Search Facility
The portal will provide the facility of searching the following categories:
- Institutes/Universities/Organizations
- Person specific search
- Area of interest in S&T research
4.2.9 Links
These links include:
- S&T research related websites of International Organizations
- S&T research journals on the internet
- National website of S&T organization in Islamic countries.
4.2.10 Feedback
Visitors are requested to provide feedback to make certain improvements in the web portal. An online feedback/comment form has been made available for this purpose.
4.3 Outcome
§ A common platform for participating scientific institutions to communicate and interact for common objectives
§ Formation of thematic groups in R&D for interaction at the national, regional and international level.
§ An increase in the level of joint activities and cooperative initiatives amongst participating institutions
§ Increased access to funds available with the international scientific community
§ Commercialization of R&D efforts and realization of joint ventures
§ Strengthened linkages between participating institutions, other international organizations and enhanced access to new markets.
5 Benefits of a Virtual Resource/Networking (Web Portal)
Muslim countries can organize and benefit from S&T institutional networking through web-portal in the following ways:
5.1 Exchange of Expertise
This web-portal may be used as a platform to facilitate the Expert Exchange Programs for the benefit of Muslim countries. Any R&D institute can inform others of their needs and appropriate experts can be provided in accordance with the requirements.
5.2 Joint Research Projects
This web-portal would also provide an opportunity to the R&D organizations in the Muslim countries to explore the areas of research other institutes are working in. In this manner mutual areas of interest can be identified for initiating joint research programmes.
5.3 Training Programmes
This portal can also help the individuals and research institutes that intend to seek training in a particular field. Trainers or trainees from a country can be sent to an institute on quarterly or annual basis to enhance their knowledge and skills in a specific domain.
5.4 Joint Workshops/Conferences
R&D institutes and universities can identify areas of mutual interest and jointly hold Conferences/ Workshops/ Seminars to initiate discussion, build awareness and advocate positive changes in policy.
5.5 Promoting S&T in the Islamic Countries
By any index, the Muslim world produces disproportionately small scientific output of relatively low quality. In numerical terms, 41 predominantly Muslim countries with about 20 percent of the world's total population generate less than 5 percent of its science. There is great need to implement appropriate S&T policies in the Muslim countries so that S&T culture starts flourishing in them. This portal would pave the way for scientific and technological advancement in the Islamic countries.
6. Recommendations for Sustaining the Initiative
The Virtual Resource in the form of web portal, which will be developed by ICPSR, COMSATS and WICS will envisages cooperation and coordination of all the stakeholders. Another important and uphill task will be to ensure updation and maintenance of data and records of the universities, R&D institutions and academics of the Muslim countries.
It is recommended that the Member States
It is also recommended to hold awareness campaign for the target beneficiaries by the Member States
Conference will give an opportunity to the heads of the universities and head R&D Institutes and S&T academies from OIC countries to elaborate on the use and application of this web portal while workshops will provide for exhibiting S&T capabilities and capacities of the R&D institutions for effective networking and for building synergies amongst them. The conference should become a means for identifying resources for indigenous ‘think tank’ from the Muslim world. It willl help network the academic institutions presently working in isolation.
COMSATS and ISESCO have remained vibrant in benefiting its member countries and countries from developing world in general, to induce sustainability in the developmental efforts at regional level. Both organizations take pride in offering its services for the betterment of developing countries and offer its services for the future to maintain such an important web portal. Nevertheless cooperation from the pertinent countries, universities and institutions to benefit from this endeavor is more crucial for success. It is hoped that this virtual resource will facilitate, catalyze, and synchronize the developmental collaborative efforts from the OIC countries.
7. CONCLUSION
Though the increasing gap between the socio-economic development of developed countries and most Muslim countries can be attributed to a number of factors, the role of scientific and technological research, in this regard, cannot be overlooked.
The results have indicated that allocation of funds towards R & D has been one of the primary reasons for the overall development and achievement of long-term objectives by the developed nations.
Developed countries of the world have been directing substantial funds and resources towards scientific research and development, which has resulted in their current positions of economic strength. This trend has been missing in the case of Muslim countries. A good sign, however, is that there now is an increasing awareness, amongst the experts in these countries that technological and industrial research has an extremely important bearing on the sustainability of programmes and policies at the national and international levels. In the current global context, which is characterized by rapid technological changes and innovations and an ever-growing industrial application, lack of attention towards applied research in industry and technology is bound to have negative impact on the growth and development of Muslim countries.
In short, for the creation of a critical mass of scientists for sustainable development and in the light of the foregoing, networking of scientific institutions using appropriate ICT option would be highly beneficial for effective and cost efficient to conquer the challenges of today. It is perhaps the best way to bring them together from the North and South and provide valuable support in designing solutions for problems being explored by scientists and can be the answer to issues of resource and time constraints.
The long term endeavors coming out of Muslim world can be optimized using this web portal. It is hoped that this web portal will maximize the existing resource, minimize the redundancies and duplication of efforts that is resulting in cancellation and wastage of resources in the OIC countries.
NO SINGLE COUNTRY CAN KEEP
ITS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS AT PAR WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE
OF OTHER COUNTRIES.
INDEX
Page | ||
1. | History…………………………………………………………………………………… Golden Period ……………………………………………………………………… Decline……………………………………………………………………………… The revitalization of Science ……………………………………………………… Technology Prevails ………………………………………………………………. Science Stagnates ………………………………………………………………….. Contemporary Situation ……………………………………………………………. Development of S&T Human Resources ……………………………………… R&D Culture and Environment ……………………………………………….. Scientific and Technical Education……………………………………………. S&T Education for Women……………………………………………………. Brain Drain ……………………………………………………………………. | 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 |
2. | Fostering Cooperation in S&T ………………………………………………………... Benefits and Feasibility of S&T Cooperation ……………………………………. Indicators for International Cooperation in S&T ………………………………… The Way Forward ………………………………………………………………… Realizing the Suitability of the Type of Research ……………………… Scientific Research and the Issues of Funding …………………………. Need for Exchange of Information Resources …………………………. Action Plan for the Muslim World …………………………………….. Setting Priorities for Cooperation amongst the Islamic countries | 7 7 8 9 9 10 11 11 12 |
3. | Role of some S&T Organizations in OIC Member States …………………………….. | 12 |
4. | Web Portal of Scientific Institutions and Universities in the Islamic Countries ………. Objectives …………………………………………………………………………. Detailed Features of the Project …………………………………………………… Lesson Learned and the Best S&T Practices ……………………………. Institutes …………………………………………………………………. Databank of Experts …………………………………………………….. Ongoing S&T National Projects in Institutes …………………………… Success Stories in Science and Technology ……………………………. News and Events ………………………………………………………… Publications ……………………………………………………………… Search Facility …………………………………………………………… Links ……………………………………………………………………... Feedback ………………………………………………………………… Outcome …………………………………………………………………………… | 15 16 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 19 19 |
5. | Benefits of a Virtual Resource/Networking (Web Portal) …………………………..... | 19 |
6. | Recommendations for Sustaining the Initiative ………………………………………... | 20 |
7. | Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………… | 21 |
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