The Divergence Between Industrial Infrastructure and Research Output among the GCC Member States

TL;DR

This paper compares industrial, communication, and research infrastructure in GCC countries using SDG 9 metrics, revealing a gap in research output compared to developed nations and suggesting policy actions.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of GCC infrastructure and research output based on SDG 9, highlighting disparities and proposing targeted research initiatives.

Findings

Most SDG 9 sub-goals achieved in GCC

Research output lags behind developed countries

Significant challenges remain in industrial and communication infrastructure

Abstract

In this article, we provide a comparative analysis of the industry, communication, and research infrastructure among the GCC member states as measured by the United Nations sustainable development goal 9. SDG 9 provides a clear framework for measuring the performance of nations in achieving sustainable industrialization. Three pillars of this goal are defined as quality logistics and efficient transportation, availability of mobile-cellular network with high-speed internet access, and quality research output. Based on the data from both the United Nations' SDG database and the Bertelsmann Stiftung SDG-index, our results suggest that while most of the sub-goals in SDG 9 are achieved, significant challenges remain ahead. Notably, the research output of the GCC member states is not in par with that of the developed world. We suggest the GCC decisionmakers initiate national and supranational research schemes in order to boost research and development in the region.