Biomedical research in the Middle East
Biomedical Research and Development in the Middle East/GCC
According to a recent Value Edge Research report, the GCC region is underrepresented in global biomedical R&D. Of the 110 biomedical patents filed with the GCC Patents Office, only 3 are of GCC origin . Of almost 2000 biomedical articles published by UAE-based researchers between 1998 and 2007, only 5 (0.3%) have appeared in major international medical journals. Despite the presence of sophisticated clinical facilities, there is very little [...] development underway in the region. Of 71764 globally registered clinical trials, 116 (0.2%) involve GCC countries.
According to Value Edge Research services, a global research and analytics company (www.valuedgeindia.com), GCC countries have articulated ambitious technology, innovation and R&D promotion plans. Qatar has committed 2.8% of GDP towards R&D and Saudi Arabia has allocated US$ 32 billion towards higher education, training, science and technology and academic R&D . Organizations such as the Qatar Foundation, the National Authority for Scientific Research (UAE) and the Arab Science and Technology Foundation co-ordinate and support R&D efforts at national and regional levels. At least 8 investment agencies support R&D, including the National Research Fund (UAE) and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.
R&D investment is increasing, but the GCC is only beginning to build a robust R&D base. Over 40, mostly public sector, institutions are involved in biomedical R&D and most offer research grants. There are at least 5 biotechnology park initiatives underway and some universities have articulated ambitious plans to undertake biomedical R&D. A central GCC Patent Office in Riyadh aims to ensure IP protection. Pockets of biomedical research excellence exist in areas including genomic studies and veterinary medicine.
R&D excellence requires resources and strong political will, but the benefits are substantial. Countries known for their science and technology capabilities tend to lead the world in percentage of GDP allocated for R&D. Biomedical R&D has a positive impact on economic growth through the creation of clusters of related firms near research centers and universities that encourage a positive cycle of innovation and entrepreneurship. Governments need to establish supportive policies that minimize bureaucracy, protect intellectual property and nurture local professional human capital.