I read with interest the report “Private sector urged to fund scientific research” (March 4). A public-private partnership in this field can yield positive results.

There is a great need to encourage the private sector to initiate programs to sponsor gifted students at various educational levels in the Kingdom. We cannot, however, deny the fact that the private sector works to earn profits. Thankfully, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is gaining currency due to which many corporations are coming forward with different projects for the benefit of the society. It is not enough and there is a great need for widening the scope of the CSR.

The government, in a bid to encourage the private sector, should offer various incentives as well. This two-way approach will do wonders. To many in the private sector, this might appear as a burden on their budget but the truth is otherwise. They should think in the long term. Such initiatives can also be used as a cost-effective way to build the image of a corporation. It is known to all that business entities pay huge sums to public relations firms to bolster their image in the market. Such initiatives will also help them gain the necessary publicity without spending millions of riyals.

Hayat Ahmed

Jeddah