Background
Science and technology, in general, can be considered an important key towards solving the problems of socio-economic development and producing a high quality of life in which man has been transformed from a social burden to a productive contributor.
Islamic countries are entering a new phase of economic development with emphasis on the crucial role of the private sector and its potential impact on different branches of economy. Thus, they are urging their private sector to invest in technology in order to maintain their industrial or economic competitiveness relative to the industrialized countries.
Idea
Rapid technological development has fundamentally altered economic development principles, and technology is rapidly changing the way value is created and transforming the nature of dynamic competitiveness. Techonomics incorporates technology as a core driver of economic changes, and redefines the tools and strategies that can be adopted by firms, industries, or regions to improve competitive advantage and build success.
On the path to development many emerging nations focused on importing scientific and technical knowledge from other countries. Following that, they tried to copy and master it. Working and re-working existing knowledge rather than creating new knowledge through research is a predominant activity in innovation.
Many technologies and much knowledge are either proprietary in nature and form the subject matter of patents owned by foreign entities or published as research articles in scientific journals and is free to use.
Thus, the initiative “Making the science work for the Ummah“ (MSWU) will establish a mechanism for screening science and technology information and cooperate with the private sector to set up commercially viable projects in the area of technology as well as providing marketing support.
Aims
The main aims of the initiative “Making the science work for the Ummah“ (MSWU) is increasing excess to scientific research results related to industrial development that are originating from research centers in Islamic states, patents and scientific journals.
This will enhance innovative research among Muslim scientific community and encourage private sector for investing in science and technology sector, which, in turn, will provide solutions for problem facing Islamic States, and help in improving the quality of life of the people.
Objectives
MSWU will serve as the eyes and ears of the Islamic countries on the latest technological developments to lay the foundations for science and technology-based industry with the aim to:
- Assist with the acquisition and mastery of imported technology
- Provide the scientific underpinning of regulations for environment and safety
- Provide advice to government on policy issues requiring an understanding of science
- Solve social problems like disease and malnutrition
- Develop technologies appropriate to local conditions
- Solve scientific problems unique to Islamic countries
Vision
“To Harness science & technology for Islamic countries economic development, to assist industrial key players such as academic, scientific and business communities, and to function as the Islamic Technomic Brain Trust”
Mission
“To provide an institutional set up for Islamic countries to promote the "Techonomic" approach that captures the fusion of technology and economic development.”
Beneficiaries
Despite all the hype about the potentials of Science and Technology for sustainable socio-economic development, currently organised, research and development (R&D) systems especially in poor Islamic countries do not respond well to its needs. Very often poor and marginalised people across the global south do not end up benefiting from science and technology (S&T).
Thus, MSWU will assist private and public sector clients in finding solutions to an array of economic issues, ranging from building stronger economic foundations to improving industrial competitiveness, focusing on technology infrastructure and human resource development.
This initiative will be useful for the following:
IDB scholars
It will help IDB scholars to work on innovative research relevant to the Ummah needs.
Private sector
It will provide investors with new opportunities for setting up new companies as well as upgrading their production processes
Scientists and technologists
It will provide Muslim researchers with the opportunity to transfer their ideas into products
Programmes and activities
Setting up database containing the results of research projects carried out by the IDB scholars, which have industrial applications in the Islamic countries.
Preparing a database for scientific researches that is relevant for socio-economic development in Islamic world.
Preparing a monthly bulletin to be called “ science means business”
Offering help to other science-based IDB programmes such as “early harvest” and Malaria …etc.
Organising annual conference for promoting new scientific ideas for investors and the private sector
