USAID commits to supporting research and development advancement in Jordan

The meeting between USAID Mission Director, Jay Knott, JSSR Chairman, Dr. Anwar Battikhi, and USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) Chief of Party Laith Al Qasem. It centered on the state of the Research and Development (R&D) sector in Jordan, and the crucial support that is needed from the public and private sectors as well as academia and NGOs in order to advance and encourage innovation among entrepreneurs, which ultimately leads to an increase in Jordan's competitiveness.

Dr. Battikhi focused on the importance of scientific research for development in the different sectors at the national and international level.

He mentioned that "JSSR is taking a leading role in spreading the scientific research culture among Jordanian community and decision makers". He made it clear that Jordan spends about 0.4% of its GDP on scientific research which is very low as compared to the world average (about 1.0%). Dr. Battikhi gave examples of some of the developed countries which spend about 4% of its GDP on scientific research. He also mentioned that Jordan has established the Scientific Research Fund along with other funding agencies and programs in the country to enhance the contribution of scientific research in the development in the country. He stressed that JSSR is a administering many activities and programs in collaboration with different institutions to achieve its mandate. Members of JSSR are participating effectively in these activities and advocating the mission of their society.

The support that the USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) will provide to both JSSR primarily technical assistance, developing management strategies in order to fulfill and strengthen their roles in promoting scientific research and development in Jordan. The MoU incorporate capacity building and technical support to enhance the role JSSR in advocating legislative and regulatory changes that will help create a Scientific Research culture conducive to Jordan. Additional support will be provided in assisting and preparing JSSR develop and stake its role within the science and technology community in Jordan and abroad. This will be done primarily through R&D promotional campaign, and specialized training courses designed for researchers

"The support provided by USAID focuses on a number of economic sectors, each playing an integral role in positively impacting a country's competitiveness," noted USAID Mission Director, Jay Knott. "the scientific community, and its key element of Research & Development, is no exception." This point was emphasized by USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) Chief of Party, Laith Al Qasem when he spoke directly to the opportunities that exist for the sector to enhance the productivity of other critical sectors in Jordan's economy most notably developing environmentally savvy solutions in water conservation and environment preservation in areas such as agriculture and engineering.

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Bearing Point, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.