The Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Chairman of the Council, organised a national conference titled “The State of Scientific Research and Its Impact on the National Economy.” The event was attended by HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, alongside current and former ministers, university presidents, deans, academics, and professionals from both academic and industrial sectors.
The conference aimed to present the findings of a comprehensive national study assessing the state of scientific research in Jordan and its influence on economic development.
In his keynote address, Prince El Hassan emphasised that science should be regarded as a strategic investment rather than a financial burden. He stressed that a knowledge-based economy begins with research and innovation, describing scientific research as a national engine for economic and productive growth. He highlighted the strong correlation between research and development expenditure and GDP growth in knowledge-driven economies.
He further noted that nations investing in scientific research do not merely keep pace with global developments—they lead them. He affirmed that evidence-based science and analytical thinking are essential pillars of national security. Researchers, he added, are national assets and centers of excellence who must be empowered as partners in shaping the country’s future.
Prince El Hassan called for sustainable funding mechanisms and strong governance frameworks to cultivate a culture of innovation across all disciplines. He advocated for a smooth transition from research to development through collaboration, interdisciplinary networking, and systems-based thinking. He also urged legislative support, including direct grants to public and private institutions, financial incentives for youth-led innovations, and tax breaks for companies that invest in research and development.
To ensure effective coordination between knowledge production and practical application, he stressed the need to move beyond reliance on market forces and called for legislation that meaningfully connects productive sectors with academic institutions.
HCST Secretary General, Prof. Mashhoor Al-Refai, highlighted the significance of the conference, which coincides with the Council’s assumption of stewardship over the Scientific Research and Innovation Fund. He described this step as a clear demonstration of Jordan’s commitment to strengthening scientific institutions and advancing the national development agenda.
Al-Refai noted the strong participation from the industrial sector, which made up nearly 20 per cent of attendees—an encouraging sign of growing collaboration between academia and industry. He emphasised that scientific research is a foundational pillar of any knowledge- or economy-based renaissance, and stressed the urgent need to enhance Jordan’s research ecosystem in response to global transformations.
In a panel discussion titled “The Role of Universities in Advancing Scientific Research,” chaired by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Azmi Mahafzah, University of Jordan (UJ) President Prof. Nathir Obeidat identified legislative and administrative challenges hindering the effective utilisation of university research budgets. He cited public procurement laws and the lack of compelling research proposals as key obstacles to funding.
Obeidat expressed concern that Jordanian universities remain detached from the development of applied research that could drive economic growth and innovation. He called for aligning research more closely with national priorities and acknowledged that both research and education are undergoing significant transitions regionally and globally.
The second session, titled “Bridging Industry and Academia,” was moderated by Assistant Secretary General for Scientific and Technological Affairs, Dr. Raed Odeh. It featured representatives from Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC), Arab Potash Company (APC), Amman Chamber of Industry, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and the Made in Jordan campaign.
Dr. Nabil Hailat, lead researcher of the Council’s recent study, presented key findings addressing structural, regulatory, and financial challenges facing researchers, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of current policies linking scientific research with economic development.
The study was based on a nationwide survey of 1,530 researchers from various disciplines and institutions, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Its results were unveiled during the event.
In its concluding remarks, HCST reaffirmed its commitment to translating the conference’s recommendations into actionable policies. The Council announced the formation of specialised committees to oversee implementation and ensure funding is directed toward high-impact projects.
Future initiatives introduced by the Council include an interactive digital dashboard for data analysis and policymaking, the establishment of an advisory board for the Scientific Research and Innovation Fund, the development of a unified electronic funding management system, and the organisation of a national conference to address the academia-industry gap. Additional efforts include supporting the creation of specialised national research centers and laboratories, and signing memoranda of understanding to launch co-funded research projects.