RIYADH, 18 August 2003 — The Prince Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz Institute for Scientific Research has been undertaking research on behalf of the private sector in areas of national interest .
However, the level of funding is inadequate, officials point out, adding that Arab spending on research and development (R&D) ranges from 0.3 to 1.1 percent of the total national per capita income.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Saleh, secretary-general of the Higher Education Council, said that Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) had extended a SR1 million grant to King Saud University for sponsoring research in the petrochemical sector, while Saudi Aramco has been cooperating with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in a number of relevant fields.
He said that while this ongoing cooperation between public sector organizations and academic institutions is a welcome development, much more could be achieved by higher research grants. Dr. Saleh made his statement in the context of approval by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd for the creation of the post of undersecretary for postgraduate studies and scientific research for a three-year term at King Saud University.
According to Prince Fahd ibn Abdullah, assistant to the minister of defense and aviation and chairman of the Economic Offset Committee, the level of the Kingdom’s spending on R&D activities does not exceed 0.25 percent of the total national per capita income.
The spending of Arab countries varies from 0.03 percent to 1.1 percent.
As part of the effort to promote research at the academic level, a deanship for scientific research has been established to promote scientific research in Saudi universities. According to the bylaws, remuneration is paid to researchers, their research assistants and consultants, while annual prizes are to be given to distinguished researchers and research work.
Remuneration is also to be given for publishing theses for master’s and doctorate degrees.
Academics point out that the cooperation of the private sector could be enlisted for conducting R&D.
Already, Almarai has instituted a prize for original research carried out in the fields of agriculture and water, food and foodstuffs industry besides the other areas that could benefit the food industry.
The prize is administered by King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
Multinational companies have also become involved with their own funding programs for government agencies. An example is BAE Systems which has extended financial support to the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training (GOTEVOT) for formulating standards for the launch of 70 new technical courses for young Saudis.
Similarly, ExxonMobil has supported the King Abdul Aziz and his Companions Foundation with a grant of SR500,000 for 50 talented Saudi students to enable them to pursue special courses.
Both the public and the private sectors will have to raise research grants if they are going to make meaningful contributions to the R&D program.
Research funding needs to be prioritized in the context of the challenges confronting the Kingdom, experts explain.
