The ALECSO Observatory has recently issued its 17th Statistical Bulletin (April 2025) titled: “Arab Cooperation in Research and Development : Current State and Future Prospects”.

The Bulletin highlights the reasons behind the limited number of joint Arab R&D programs. It relies on data and indicators related to inter-Arab R&D cooperation, partnerships and exchanges.

The Bulletin addresses the available infrastructure for science, innovation, and information technology in Arab countries, based on a range of relevant indicators, including the ALECSO Observatory’s estimates and projections regarding the number of R&D personnel per million inhabitants, along with the state of scientific publishing in Arab countries.

The Bulletin notes that most research centers in Arab countries disseminate their output through the publication of books, journals, and periodicals. Some of them publish peer-reviewed scientific journals that focus on specific issues and follow an academic scientific methodology.

The Bulletin draws attention to the low percentage of spending on research and development in Arab countries, often ranging between 0.2% and 0.7% of the GDP, compared to a recommended percentage ranging between 2% and 4%.

The Bulletin can be accessed via the following link :

https://observatory.alecso.org/Data/?p=2970