Cairo: The Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST) of Jordan and Egypt's Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bolster cooperation in the realms of scientific research, technological development, and innovation.
According to Jordan News Agency, the agreement was finalized during the first Arab Conference for Science, Technology, and Innovation Observatories, which took place in Cairo. The MoU was signed by the Secretary General of the Council, Mashhour Refai, and the Acting President of the Academy, Gina El-Feky, witnessed by Abdelmajid BenAmara, the Secretary-General of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils at the Arab League.
The memorandum focuses on the exchange of expertise, the development of joint technological platforms, and the enhancement of cooperation in scientific research and innovation. It seeks to reinforce the role of research institutions in both Jordan and Egypt as a practical model of Arab integration in science, technology, and innovation, aligning with the Arab Council's vision for a comprehensive Arab research ecosystem.
Refai emphasized that the MoU establishes a solid foundation for a comprehensive framework of collaboration between the two nations. This framework is expected to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, support joint research projects in areas of national priority, and serve economic and social development goals.
Proposed areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU include joint scientific projects, researcher exchanges, regular updates of research priorities, and co-funding of research programs. Additionally, the agreement aims to organize exchange visits, conferences, and workshops to encourage knowledge and experience sharing.
The partnership will also focus on knowledge transfer, research management best practices, technology transfer, and the creation of shared databases and information platforms to facilitate research collaboration. It aims to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship, promote stronger ties between academia and industry, and align research activities with market needs, all while fostering scientific and research integration between the two countries.