The principal impediments to scientific inquiry within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The principal impediments to scientific inquiry within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are the insufficient support for innovative concepts and their valuation, which are marked by a degree of seriousness. This lack of support for scientific inquiry primarily arises from their novelty and the prevalent skepticism regarding their practical implementation, compounded by the occasional perception of their irrelevance.
Hesitancy to take scientific risks
A significant portion of individuals tend to pursue endeavors that are straightforward and assured, thereby fulfilling the minimal expectations (numerous researchers focus solely on acquiring academic credentials). I contend that if there were dedicated resources allocated for novel and high-quality ideas, the manifestation of creativity, excellence, and innovation would be significantly more pronounced than it currently is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Failure to recognize the importance of research to national development
Notwithstanding the emergence of scientific and industrial inventions and advancements across various domains facilitated by scientific research, we confront substantial environmental challenges to scientific inquiry. This predicament stems from the failure of certain individuals to recognize the critical importance of scientific research and its contribution to national development, with many remaining unconvinced of its significance. Indeed, the environment is conducive, and access to information is readily available, alongside the capacity of numerous researchers to effectively utilize research methodologies; however, they necessitate considerable support to ensure that their findings are disseminated, and that society can derive benefits from them.
Public and Institutional Skepticism towards Researchers
The rationale for this phenomenon may also stem from the skepticism of others, as they lack direct engagement with the tangible outcomes of research being implemented in practice. This predicament arises from the fact that a significant proportion of scientific theses and studies are relegated to library shelves, ultimately rendering them ineffectual. In conjunction with inadequate financial backing, and the bureaucratic impediments present in certain public and private sectors where the research is conducted, such as the obstruction of research transactions, the propensity to marginalize the researcher, or the imposition of unreasonable conditions.
Indeed, despite the recognition of scientific research as a pivotal cornerstone for the advancement of sophisticated societies, regrettably, there exist manifestations of societal stigma towards scientific inquiry within our Arab societies broadly, and within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia specifically. The most salient of these stigmas is the disproportionate apprehension regarding the implications of research outcomes, alongside a pervasive suspicion or anxiety regarding the motives of the researcher and the integrity of their study, even when such research has received endorsement from official ethics committees.
Dedicated Support to Research and Scientific Inquiry
In light of the aforementioned considerations, it could be posited that one of the most effective remedies to this dilemma would be to mandate each institution to establish a dedicated department for scientific research and development (alternatively referred to as scientific research and innovation), which should be directly accountable to the head of the institution. This department would be tasked with:
- Facilitating support for researchers both within and beyond the institution,
- Offering them assistance,
- Dismantling the monopolistic environments to ensure accessibility for all researchers across various disciplines and providing moral support to researchers as a precursor to financial assistance.
Authored by:
Ayman Saleh Mohsen Almeshari
Editage Ambassador
Psychology Researcher, King Abdulaziz University.
Secretary of the Social Committee at the Faculty of Education,
Supervisor of Scientific Research and Innovation, and
Consultant in Psychological and Social Sciences at the Expertsgulf.
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