The Middle East: What Money Can't Buy
Aaron Segal
Abstract
Science and technology in the contemporary Middle East from Morocco to Iran constitutes an extraordinary paradox. This chapter focuses on the development of indigenous research & development capabilities rather than the terms or nature of technology transfer. It argues that without such capabilities, whether utilized for military or civilian purposes, no effective transfer can be said to have occurred. The chapter adopts the conceptual framework of the economist Nathan Rosenberg that development consists of technological "learning by doing"; the ability to adapt, improvise, innovate, modify, and eventually to re-export imported technologies. Homes for research can be provided by universities, government ministries, public sector corporations, autonomous government labs, local private firms, foreign firms with local or regional branches, or various combinations and permutations. Several governments such as Egypt and Kuwait have established multi-purpose autonomous research institutes. Those in Egypt have been plagued by the problems of low salaries, part-time researchers, lack of users, sinecure posts, and lack of continuity.