HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, President of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, presided over a conference titled "The Reality of Scientific Research and Its Impact on the National Economy", which saw the participation of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, along with several current and former ministers, university presidents, deans, academics, and representatives from both the academic and industrial sectors.
The conference, organized by the Higher Council for Science and Technology, aimed to present the findings of a national study conducted by the Council on the current state of scientific research in Jordan and its impact on the national economy.
In his opening remarks, Prince El Hassan emphasized that science should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a financial burden. He stressed that a knowledge-based economy begins with research and innovation, and that investment in research and development is directly tied to economic growth in developed countries.
He stated, “Countries that invest in scientific research do not merely catch up—they lead,” emphasizing that analytical, evidence-based sciences are a fundamental pillar of national security. He called for researchers to be transformed into active partners in shaping the future, describing them as a source of excellence and a national asset that must be protected.
Prince El Hassan emphasized that scientific research and innovation require sustainable funding and sound governance, urging a comprehensive national mobilization across all disciplines. He advocated transitioning from research to development through enhanced networking and collaboration, and by adopting a holistic approach to problem-solving. He also called for legislation to support scientific research by providing direct grants to public and private institutions, financial incentives for innovation—particularly among youth—and tax breaks for companies investing in research and development.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mashhoor Al-Rifai, Secretary-General of the Council, noted that the conference coincided with the transfer of responsibility for managing the Scientific Research and Innovation Support Fund to the Higher Council for Science and Technology, reflecting a strategic move toward developing the Fund’s mechanisms and enhancing the role of science in serving society. He affirmed the broad participation of academics, industry representatives, and policymakers, highlighting that representation from the industrial sector reached approximately 20%, which indicates a growing awareness of the importance of integrating scientific research with industry.
A panel titled “The Role of Universities in Advancing Scientific Research,” moderated by Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, featured Prof. Dr. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, President of the German Jordanian University. He emphasized the university’s strong commitment to scientific research through its Deanship of Scientific Research, which addresses researchers’ needs through various means — including funding research equipment, hiring research assistants, supporting joint projects with the private sector, and fostering international collaboration with leading global universities.
Dr. Al-Halhouli explained that the German Jordanian University, owing to its extensive partnerships with German universities and advanced industries, consistently strives to promote a culture of applied research aimed at serving the national economy. This is achieved by fostering a research-friendly environment and aligning research outputs with actual market needs. He emphasized that investing in research is an investment in future generations and in Jordan’s position within the global economy.
A second session titled “Bridging Industry and Academia” was moderated by Dr. Raed Odeh, Assistant Secretary-General for Scientific and Technological Affairs. The session included representatives from Phosphate, Potash, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, the Amman Chamber of Industry, and the "Made in Jordan" program. Dr. Nabil Al-Hayalat, head of the research team, presented findings from a study titled “Assessing the Reality of Scientific Research and Its Impact on the National Economy,” which aimed to identify structural, regulatory, and financial challenges facing researchers, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of current policies linking research to the economy.
The study was based on a national survey involving 1,530 researchers from various universities and disciplines, along with a quantitative and qualitative analysis of economic productivity indicators, the results of which were presented at the conference.
At the conclusion of the conference, the Higher Council for Science and Technology affirmed its commitment to transforming the conference outcomes into practical measures aimed at enhancing the status of scientific research and aligning it with national development priorities. The Council also announced the establishment of specialized committees to monitor the implementation of the recommendations, within a clear plan and coordination mechanism designed to ensure the allocation of resources toward projects with tangible impact.
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