Pakistan’s investment in science and technology is relatively low compared to global standards

Dr. AG Arijo

Pakistan’s investment in science and technology is relatively low compared to global standards. The country spends around 2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on education, which indirectly affects scientific research funding. There is a need for stronger coordination between academia, industry, and investors to enhance research and development (R&D) efforts.

Despite having a history of early advancements, such as launching the Rehbar rocket in 1962, Pakistan has struggled to maintain momentum in space science and technology. The Institute of Space Technology (IST) in Islamabad is one of the few institutions dedicated to space research, but overall investment in this field remains limited.

Scientific and technological advancements are fundamental drivers of national development, economic stability, and global competitiveness. Historically, the Islamic world played a pioneering role in scientific discovery, particularly during the Golden Age of Islam (8th to 15th centuries). However, in contemporary times, many Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan, have witnessed a decline in scientific output due to inadequate investment in research and development (R&D), limited institutional support, and systemic challenges. This paper explores the current state of scientific research in these nations, contrasting Pakistan’s approach with Israel’s highly successful science and technology model. It also presents key recommendations to enhance Pakistan’s scientific progress.

The Role of Science and Technology in National Progress

Science and technology are indispensable to national development, influencing critical sectors such as healthcare, industry, defense, and education. Countries that prioritize scientific research lead in innovation and economic growth. Although Muslim-majority nations once commanded a prominent position in global scientific inquiry, current trends reveal significant shortcomings in research output, funding, and technological advancement. Overcoming these challenges demands a multi-faceted strategy, incorporating increased investment, educational reforms, public-private collaboration, and targeted policy interventions.

Read: Why the Arabic World Turned Away from Science

The Islamic Golden Age provided a fertile environment for intellectual growth, with scholars making profound contributions to mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and chemistry. Institutions like the House of Wisdom in Baghdad played a vital role in preserving and advancing knowledge. However, over time, political instability, ideological shifts, and the decline of educational institutions led to the diminishing prioritization of scientific inquiry. Today, many Muslim-majority countries struggle with weak scientific frameworks, limiting their ability to compete globally.

Israel is widely recognized for its strategic investment in science and technology, consistently allocating around 4.9% of its GDP to R&D. This commitment has led to breakthroughs in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cyber-security, and aerospace innovation. Key factors driving Israel’s success include:

• Government Support: Strategic policymaking fosters a strong scientific research culture.
• Private Sector Engagement: A thriving startup ecosystem accelerates technological advancements.
• Academic Excellence: Prestigious institutions such as the Weizmann Institute and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology contribute significantly to global scientific research.
• Defense-Driven Innovation: Military-funded research fuels developments across various technological domains.

Challenges Facing Scientific Development in Pakistan

By contrast, Pakistan faces significant hurdles in scientific investment, including:

• Low R&D Spending: Less than 0.3% of GDP is allocated to scientific research.
• Limited Private Sector Participation: Industry investment in technology-driven solutions remains minimal.
• Brain Drain: Talented researchers often seek opportunities abroad due to limited resources and support.
• Educational Constraints: University funding for scientific programs is inadequate, hindering academic growth.

These disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted policy reforms and investment strategies to strengthen Pakistan’s scientific and technological capabilities.

Recommendations for Advancing Science & Technology in Pakistan

To enhance global competitiveness and drive scientific progress, Pakistan must implement several strategic initiatives:

Increasing R&D Investment

Raising Pakistan’s R&D budget to at least 1% of GDP will significantly boost innovation. Priority should be given to fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and space exploration.

Reforming Science Education

Shifting from rote memorization to inquiry-based learning will foster problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Strengthening STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at secondary and higher levels is essential.

Promoting Industry-Academia Collaboration

Stronger partnerships between universities and industries can facilitate the commercialization of research. Academic institutions should establish direct linkages with industrial sectors to drive technological innovation.

Developing a Comprehensive Science & Technology Policy

A long-term strategic framework integrating scientific innovation across multiple sectors—including health, agriculture, and telecommunications—will support sustainable development.

Encouraging Private Sector Innovation

Incentives such as tax benefits and venture capital funding will empower startups and technological entrepreneurs to contribute to national scientific advancement.

Addressing Brain Drain

Creating better opportunities for researchers, offering competitive salaries, and providing research grants will help retain top talent within Pakistan.

Reviving Space Science Initiatives

Investing in satellite technology and space exploration will enhance national security, scientific research, and technological growth.

Revitalizing science and technology in Muslim-majority countries, especially Pakistan, requires a deliberate, multi-pronged approach centered on increased funding, educational reforms, strategic policymaking, and international collaborations. By studying Israel’s research-intensive framework, Pakistan can derive valuable insights to restructure its scientific infrastructure. Prioritizing R&D, fostering collaboration, and stimulating private-sector engagement will enable Pakistan to emerge as a competitive force in global science and technology, ultimately driving national development and economic growth. We therefore must invest in science, because that is the only way to go forward.

Read: Deterioration of Education in Sindh

__________________

Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo is a retired professor, ex: chairman, Department of Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, ex-advisor Academics & P&D to Vice Chancellor, SAU Tandojam. Email: Email: abdullaharijo@gmail.com