Building a knowledge-based economy in the Muslim world. The critical role of innovation and technological learning
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20425941211244243 |
| Published date | 31 May 2012 |
| Pages | 76-98 |
| Date | 31 May 2012 |
| Author | Allam Ahmed,Amer Al-Roubaie |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
Building a knowledge-based
economy in the Muslim world
The critical role of innovation and
technological learning
Allam Ahmed
Science and Technology Policy Research (SPRU), University of Sussex,
Brighton, UK, and
Amer Al-Roubaie
College of Business and Finance, Ahlia University, Manama,
Kingdom of Bahrain
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of innovation and technological
learning in building a knowledge-based economy in the Muslim world. Despite abundant financial and
human capital, most Muslim countries still lack adequate scientific and technological infrastructure to
absorb, apply and create knowledge and disseminate information.
Design/methodology/approach – Using various major international institutions’ databases
(UN, World Bank, OCED, etc.), a holistic approach is used to analyse the critical role of science,
technology and innovation to build a knowledge-based economy in Muslim countries.
Findings – This paper examines the main challenges facing Muslim countries to build a knowledge-
based economy driven by innovation and technological lear ning.In doing so, a framework for building
an effective innovation system that will achieve a knowledge-based economy in Muslim countries is
presented, taking into account a variety of international, institutional and intellectual perspectives.
Originality/value – Given the scarcity of information and data about the subject area on Muslim
countries, the study uses several sources of secondary data which are considered the most valid and
reliable data available internationally about the subject.
Keywords Economic development, Knowledge management, Innovation, Learning,
Information technology, Science, Technology,Arab countries, Muslim countries, Knowledge economy
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
In recent years, a substantial amount of literature has been written about the role that
science, technology and innovation (STI) plays in building an enabling environment to
foster economic growth and promote the knowledge economy (se e Danofsky, 2005;
Hamel, 2005; Ahmed, 2005; Mansell and When, 1998).
Hamel (2005) and Juma (2003) argue that education and knowledge are the chief
currencies and the essence of moder n age and can also be a strategic resource and a
lifeline for developing countries’ (DCs) sustainable development. Therefore, all nations,
particularly those with limited natural resources and inadequate financial
endowments, can benefit from the new economy by investing in knowledge creation
and information dissemination. Knowledge has not only become an impo rtant factor
input, but also a major source of employment and wealth creation. Thus investment
in human capital, information and communication technology (ICT), research and
development (R&D), STI provides an economy with an excellent opportunity to
diversify production and sustain growth.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
WorldJour nal of Science, Technology
and Sustainable Development
Vol. 9 No. 2, 2012
pp. 76-98
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/20425941211244243
76
WJSTSD
9,2
The rise of globalization during the last few decades has increased
interdependencies among nations concomitant with greater access to trade, finance,
technology, knowledge and information. In addition, advancement in ICTs have
improved information dissemination and enhanced knowledge absorption. DCs,
including Muslim nations, can leapfrog and speed up the process of development
by strengthening global linkages to acquire skills, knowledge an d information.
Muslim nations should focus on building cap acity for learning and training to ensure
technology transfer and knowledge diffusion. The path to development is no longer
driven by traditional inputs but by the creativity of the human mind and the
exploitation of society’s tacit knowledge. Muslim countries have the ingredients to
meet the challenges of the twenty-first century and reverse the current stagnation
associated with underdevelopment.
In contrast to R&D, innovation entails the development of new methods more
appropriate to local conditions. In the Muslim world, the models currently employed
in development are largely of wester n construction largely divorced from the
environmental and cultural values of the local society. Over the last several decades,
these models have failed to alleviate poverty, protect the environment, increase
economic diversification and sustain development. Economic development is largely
driven by indigenous forces deeply rooted in the domestic knowledge system and,
therefore, western models may violate the process of development by hindering rapid
socio-economic transformation. By employing these models, DCs engage in R&D
without generating innovation. Muslim countries must invest in building scientific
and technological capacity to strengthen linkages between the global and local
knowledge systems.
The Muslim world
In most Muslim countries governments heavily regulate most social and political
activities and preserve an active involvement in business affairs. Therefo re,
relationship with government bodies and official has strong importance. The social
systems within most Muslim countries include core values, ethics, behavior, etc. are all
originated from Quran, Quranic principles and the saying and practices of the Prophet
Mohammad serve as guides for individuals in conducting their daily activities.
Ali (1996) stresses that Islam is one of the most influential forces in the Muslim and
Arab World, molding and regulating individual and group behavior and outlooks.
Islamic and traditional values are therefore the core components of the Muslim social
system, which are very different from the cultural values and social attitudes in the rest
of the world. Furthermore, Islamic values and teac hing put strong emphasis on
obedience to leaders. In addition to Islamic teaching, tribal and family traditions have
a strong impact on individual behavior. Therefore, one can argue that, the decisions
relating to the introduction and application of any new technique or systems
applications within society lie in the hands and interest of the social classes or groups
who dominate government and the modern productive sectors tend to result in actions
which are not neutral, but are carried out to the benefit of the richer members of society.
Moreover, such direction will reinforce the existing inequities within the society to
strengthen the control of the dominant groups.
Bartholomew (1997) argues that technology development is embedded in a
country’s history, cultural values and attitudes (also see Mellahi, 2003 for more
discussion about the culture in Arab and Muslim countries). Therefore, attitude
to IT could also have something to do with national culture. Therefore, in the case of
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Building a
knowledge-based
economy
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