Development Research Projects In Arab Countries

Research for Development in the Middle East and North Africa

Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economic Growth in Arab Countries explores fresh approaches to STI policy formulation and implementation in the region, with applications to developing countries elsewhere. Developing useful contexts for studying Arab policies about science, technology, and innovation requires trustworthy data and judgment. Omar Bizri brings together both in this book. Data from sources such as the World Bank, UNESCO, the International Telecommunication Union, Nature, Science and recent surveys and policy formulation initiatives anchor this study among national initiatives that focus on essential needs, including safe water and food production, renewable energy utilization, and job and enterprise creation. For those eager to understand the challenges of STI capacity building, this book explores the many connections between technological change and economic growth. Presents and analyzes data about past, current and proposed efforts aimed at STI capacity building in Arab countries Emphasizes demand-driven policies for promoting rapid infrastructure and endogenous STI capacity building, as well as job creation Explores ways to enhance STI capacity building efforts through community-based and national initiatives Includes data from sources such as the World Bank, UNESCO, the International Telecommunication Union, Nature, Science and recent surveys

Arab Development Funds in the Middle East details the activities of Arab development funds in promoting economic cooperation and development within the Arab region. The title analyzes the efforts the Arab development funds, particularly how they cooperate to promote regional development. Each chapter of the text details the management, policies, and operations of the Arab development funds. The funds covered are Kuwait fund, Abu Dhabi fund, and the Arab fund. The book will be of great interest to individuals who have a keen interest on the socio-economic development of the Arab region.

This book, first published in 1986, examines the literature on administration, human resources and development in the Arab world. It emphasizes contemporary societies and their internal dynamics, the least known and most critical aspects of Arabic studies.

Zahlan's detailed study examines recent and current performance of Arab countries and their organizations in scientific research in relation to their socio-economic development. It shows that the Arab countries are severely handicapped by a political economy dominated by technological dependence, corruption, and limited research collaboration.

Countries aspiring to participate fully in the global knowledge economy require high-quality education and research that leads to innovation, entrepreneurship and development. In spite of the large number of institutions higher education institutions, the Arab World failed to capitalise in research and development. This book will examine the current position of university research and development in the Arab region, note the main themes, their international impact, and propose new directions. Crucially, it will examine the underlying reasons for the underperformance, including specific government research policies, university-appointment and governance processes to stimulate research, funding assessment and allocation processes, resource limitations, and public attitudes. By substantially upgrading the research component of Arab universities along with the quality of education generally, the Arab world will have the vehicle to transition into peaceful, stable, and members of leading global economies. There are opportunities for inter-university cooperation and the establishment of regional university-linked research institutes with specialist facilities.

In recent years, terms and concepts like change, reform, modernization, development, political transformation and democratization have become commonplace at various national and international levels among both civil and official organizations. Although audible in the past, appeals for reform from within the Arab world have taken on a new dimension since the beginning of the 21st century. The 2002 UNDP Arab Human Development Report sketched the first systematic structure for these demands. This new drive for reform has emerged in the midst of unfavorable regional and international circumstances, such as the continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the occupation of Iraq by the United States, and the escalation of terrorism. In the face of calls for reform from both their own peoples and foreign forces, Arab ruling regimes have exploited these issues to cripple or postpone the introduction of comprehensive reforms. In the Arab world, the influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society institutions remains limited. However, further cultural and political development will strengthen the role of these bodies in creating a system of freedom and good governance in Arab states. Recently, demands by Arab societal and political forces for democracy have increased to such an extent that progressive Islamic thought has endeavored to achieve historical reconciliation with the mechanisms and values of democracy, seeking, for example, to bring together democracy and the Islamic principle of Shura (consultation). Most political Islamic groups now advocate democracy, but there is still some doubt as to whether these movements do so out of true conviction or are simply using the concept of democracy as a vehicle to seize power, which can be discarded after serving its purpose. Hence, political Islamic movements must clarify their attitudes towards democracy and ultimately decide whether not to follow a democratic path. It is also vital that Arab regimes refrain from intimidating internal and external forces by threatening the possibility of Islamic movements taking power if free and honest elections were to be held, and by using this to justify their hindrance of democratic transformations, effectively paralyzing Arab political life. Modern developmental experiences and theories have clearly established a strong – if not vital – link between liberty and development. Ultimately, therefore, any project to spread democracy in the Arab world must be associated with an effective process of comprehensive development.