Enhancing Research and Development in the Health Sciences as a Strategy to Establish a Knowledge-Based Economy in the State of Kuwait: A Call for Action

Abstract

Kuwait Vision 2035 is an initiative that was launched in 2017 by His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This initiative includes the implementation of a detailed development plan aimed at transforming the state of Kuwait into a regional leader in science, technology, and innovation. Health research will arguably prove to be one of the most impactful research arenas when it comes to accomplishing the goals set forth by the Kuwait Vision 2035 Development Plan. The high impact of health research is derived from its capacity to aid in the establishment of a knowledge-based health industry. The state of Kuwait lacks a system for promoting and managing national R&D efforts. At present, the research and development (R&D) expenditure in the state of Kuwait is far below the international standards that have been shown to lead to innovation and the subsequent development of a knowledge-based economy. Improvement of the weak and unstructured existing R&D apparatus in the State of Kuwait is among the most urgent challenges facing the nation as it strives toward innovation and development of a knowledge-based economy. Developing health research capacities in the State of Kuwait can significantly contribute toward improving public health, health promotion, disease prevention and treatment, and overall human welfare. Importantly, the positive impacts of such extensive benefits will not be restricted to the state of Kuwait and its citizens, but may in fact reap benefits for the global society as a whole. This article first analyzes the current status of healthcare services and health science research in the State of Kuwait, and then summarizes some essential R&D design principles that Kuwait needs to implement in order to achieve the milestones set forth in the Kuwait Vision 2035 Development Plan.

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