Amman, Feb. 17 (Petra) – Under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, President of the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), the Council launched on Monday the "National Scientific Research Priorities (2026 – 2035)" project. The ceremony, attended by university presidents and leaders across the academic and industrial sectors, signals a decade-long strategic commitment to harnessing scientific inquiry as a primary driver of national development.

HRH Prince El Hassan emphasized that human capital remains Jordan’s most vital investment, stressing that the empowerment of the individual is the bedrock of any sustainable national renaissance. His Highness noted that scientific research must move beyond the confines of academic theory to become a functional instrument for social elevation and improved quality of life. He further called for a robust nexus between academia and industry, urging the development of applied research and innovation to align educational outputs with the evolving demands of the labor market.

Addressing the importance of data-driven governance, His Highness advocated for the modernization of statistical tools – including the creation of a "Multidimensional Deprivation Index" – to ensure that every individual is accounted for within a digital framework, providing a baseline for equitable planning and sound governance. Prince El Hassan also touched upon the concept of "Creatureliness" (Al-Khala'iqiyya), an expansive value system centered on human dignity and our relationship with the universe, as a moral compass for development.

Dr. Mashhour Al-Refai, President of the HCST, stated that this ten-year roadmap establishes a new era for Jordanian research, designed to bolster the national economy’s competitiveness. Developed with the input of 700 local and international experts, the project covers 15 strategic sectors – including National Security, Water, Energy, Food Security, and Health. Dr. Al-Refai noted that while scientific output is high, research spending remains below 1 percent of GDP, calling for a legislative review and a commitment from universities to allocate at least 3 percent of their budgets to research and development.

Dr. Raed Odeh, Assistant Secretary-General of the HCST, explained that the project’s methodology is directly integrated with the Economic Modernization Vision. The framework introduces a ninth growth engine focused on Politics and National Security, ensuring that research topics are mapped to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and assessed for their projected socio-economic impact. This national reference is intended to serve as the definitive guide for funding through the Scientific Research and Innovation Support Fund and other research institutions across the Kingdom.

//Petra// AA