1. Concerted Efforts: The Establishments of Thematic Centers of Excellence Mamoun Muhammed Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) SE-10044 Stockholm, Sweden mamoun@mse.kth.se On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World Biblioteca Alexandrina, 14-15 November, 2006

2. General Issues – I Research costs are high and getting higher Limited funding Basic science vs. Applied science –(Scientific Research vs. Technology Development) Research and Education are strongly coupled –(especially graduate education) Building infrastructure in scientific research is a long term investment R &T D is a high risk investment On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World, Alex 14-15, 2006

3. General Issues – II Governance Setting Priorities Long term planning & commitment Continuous follow up & evaluation Benchmarking (International) Involving several stake holders; Governments, Industry, Agencies On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World, Alex 14-15, 2006

4. General Issues – II Implementation &Planning National Regional - Pan Arab Specialization Integration – complementarity Long term commitment On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World, Alex 14-15, 2006

5. Concerted Efforts Instruments - Thematic Networking Dedicated programs “Virtual” Centers of Excellence Center of Excellences On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World, Alex 14-15, 2006

6. Concerted Efforts Networks of Excellence – Networking (Database, meetings conferences, etc) – Efficient communication – Seed project funding – Initiate dedicated programs Arab Foundation of Science & Technology established Pan-Arab networks A -Nano (Network on Nanotechnology) Started Sept 2006

7. Concerted Efforts Dedicated R &TD Programs –Compatible with national priorities –Have elements of regional or/and Arab-wide –Well defined goals – Milestones - Deliverables –Strong Leadership –International involvement –Rigorous follow-up and evaluation –Important outputs: Human resources training & development Science Development Technology Development On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World, Alex 14-15, 2006

8. Concerted Efforts Virtual Centers of Excellence – Quick and fast establishment – Dynamic – Sharing resources – Defined programs – Geographically concentrated – Strongly networked On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World, Alex 14-15, 2006

9. Concerted Efforts Centers of Excellence – Dedicated Brain-Power Centers – Thematic with several programs – Strong Leadership – Unique competences - State of the art instrumentations – Central Facilities (National/Arab-wide) – Strong International collaborations – Have commercialization strategies (SME, incubators, etc.) – Human resource development and training On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World, Alex 14-15, 2006

10. Long term strategy key element for success On the Issues and Problems of Scientific Research in the Arab World, Alex 14-15, 2006