Education and Research: Challenges and Opportunities in the Muslim World
By Sherazur Rahman October 8, 2026 In the 21st century, sustainable investment in education and research is the foundation of a nation's economic strength, its technological leadership, and its global standing. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has demonstrated that no country, whatever its level of development (advanced, developing or low-income), can afford to be left behind in the development of its technological capabilities. The leading countries recognised this reality a long time ago and have been making strategic investments in education, research and innovation. Through sustained planning and funding, they have progressed in robotics, space science, nanotechnology, aviation, motor vehicles, AI and medical technology. That has in turn enhanced their global competitiveness. In the Muslim world, there have been some significant advances in countries like Iran, Malaysia and Turkey. There are still many Muslim countries that are very much behind in terms of science, research an...