Research in Arab Countries (North Africa and West Asia)

Abstract

The paradox in the Arab world is that one comes across obvious talents, pulling greatly the output upwards, while no specific goal is commonly ascribed to research. The social inscription of science remains unsteady and the proper function of research is vague. Moreover, there are great differences between sub-regions (the Gulf countries, Machreq and Maghreb) and even between countries as for the age and context of scientific activity, the socio-cognitive blocs supporting it, the nature of institutional arrangements, financing and organising solutions. Following repeated warnings from experts on the region, a new concern for research has been rising since a few years. Behind Tunisia (which is well ahead) Maghreb countries are moving towards the building of a ‘research system’, with its own organisation and funding. Several Gulf countries are developing ‘Singaporean strategies’, resorting to world knowledge and industrial resources with a view to innovation. The pressure of globalisation and the need to discover new resources may induce a higher regard for science, the improvement of its environment and the hope for setting up scientific communities.