The Higher Council for Science and Technology
The Royal Scientific Society

Overview

With its relatively limited natural resources, Jordan relies heavily on the human element for its economic and social progress. Due to the quality of the services provided in the country and its wealth of educated and talented people, Jordan is achieving internal success and is also able to export human expertise and skilled manpower to other countries in the region. In order to tap Jordan's human talent, the promotion of science and technology is at the top of both public and private sectors' priority lists. The Higher Council for Science and Technology, the Royal Scientific Society and the R&D programs supported by various private companies are key components of Jordan's science and technology sectors.

Education: Jordan has traditionally placed great emphasis on education, and its ratio of university graduates to total population matches that of many developed countries. Jordan has five public universities, 12 private universities and 57 community colleges.

Since the 1950's, Jordan has made intensive efforts to develop its indigenous science and technology capabilities, using its young, highly skilled labor force. Past development plans have aimed at integrating and upgrading the country's scientific capacity, and increasing the efficiency of the services and commodity-producing sectors.

Jordan's interest in forming a governmental body to oversee policy, planning and development of the sector began in the early sixties, with the establishment of the Scientific Research Council in 1964. The Council supported research and represented Jordan at regional and international levels. In 1977, the Council was abolished and in its place the Directorate for Science and Technology was set up, with a view to linking scientific activities to development objectives.

Jordan's ability to undertake scientific research was enhanced with the creation of private and public scientific institutions, of which 193 are involved in science and technology. Of these institutions, 82 have laboratory facilities totaling 379 laboratory units.

In 1988, the Higher Council for Science and Technology was formed to unify and supervise the development of research and the administration of science and technology in Jordan, coordinate national policy, and create a national scientific and technological base that would assist and develop existing institutions.

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The Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST)

Aims and Functions

The Higher Council for Science and Technology aims mainly to build and evolve a national scientific and technological base in support of economic, social and cultural development in the kingdom. The prime objective of the HCST is to make science and technology a major element in the overall development of Jordan.

The HCST forms the base for science and technology research, development and implementation in Jordan. It is a policy-making body that coordinates strategy and funds scientific and technological research, services and activities. In addition, the council represents the country, coordinates policies and concludes agreements with regional and international institutions involved in the field of science and technological research, aid, planning and development.

Legal Status

The HCST has total financial and administrative independence. Legally, it is represented by the Attorney General in all matters and judicial proceedings related to its acts. The council has the legal right to draw up draft laws and regulations, plus the power to ratify proposals to provide financial aid to national scientific and technological projects and programs.

Detailed Objectives

To stimulate science and technology in Jordan, the Higher Council for Science and Technology aims to:

1. Develop human resources, with emphasis on science and technology, by preparing and qualifying educators.

2. Create a proper environment for the development of science and technology in Jordan, by establishing research and development centers.

3. Develop agriculture, by optimizing land use and increasing arable land.

4. Develop natural and mineral resources, by better development and management of water resources.

5. Develop enabling technologies, by strengthening renewable energy, solar and thermal/wind technologies through local manufacturing.

6. Protect the environment, by setting up standards to safeguard land, water and air.

7. Develop health sciences and medical care, by increasing the use of modern medical technologies.

8. Encourage the use of information technology, by establishing management information systems.

9. Invest in the fields of biotechnology and bio-engineering, by utilizing genetic engineering technologies in agricultural and animal products.

10. Promote Jordan s a regional center of excellence on the basis of science and technology, by supporting science and technology experts.

The Higher Council for Science and Technology consist of the following sectoral departments: