Mohammed Al-Rubaie / Professor and Consultant Interested in Education, Research, and Development, University of Dublin
Scientific research has become a cornerstone for assessing the development and well-being of nations. Traditional metrics, such as income levels, are no longer sufficient in the globalized era. As the gap between Iraq and the developed world widens, knowledge production and scientific research in Iraq have been on the decline. This regression persists despite notable improvements in other indicators, such as poverty reduction, increased per capita income, and reduced child mortality rates.
In light of these challenges, there is an urgent need to enhance the qualifications of teaching staff and elevate their scientific, administrative, and organizational capacities to align with the advancements seen in global universities. Simultaneously, attracting Iraqi intellectuals and scientists from the diaspora is essential for fostering a scientific renaissance. These expatriate minds represent a valuable national asset that, if effectively utilized, could catalyze Iraq’s development and scientific innovation within a relatively short timeframe.
Achieving this requires the adoption of well-defined strategic policies aimed at rehabilitating scientific research and embedding it firmly within Iraqi society. Scientific thinking and innovation must become integral to Iraq’s societal fabric. Furthermore, it is imperative to establish a robust Iraqi scientific foundation capable of transferring and localizing global knowledge and technology to serve the nation’s development objectives.
The overarching aim of the proposed scientific vision for Iraq is to strengthen the country’s capabilities in modern sciences and technologies and harness their potential for nation-building. To ensure the success of any comprehensive national strategy for science and technology, it is vital to consider several key factors.
