The Challenges of Education and Technology in the Muslim World!

Education is the foundation of any nation. It is vital for progress and sustainable development. A country may have wealth or resources, but without investment in education, research, and technology, it cannot achieve meaningful growth in today’s competitive world.

This issue is particularly urgent for many Muslim-majority countries. Despite a population of nearly 1.9 billion, vast territories, and rich natural resources, these nations continue to fall behind in science and technology.

Approximately 1.1 billion Muslims live in Asia, 440 million in Africa, 50 million in Europe, and between 4 and 7 million in the Americas. Despite this significant population, the levels of higher education, research, and innovation remain disappointingly low.

A stark comparison can be made with Israel. With a population of around 10 million, the country supports over 45,000 scientists and researchers who contribute to advancements in scientific and technological fields. In contrast, the entire Arab world, made up of more than twenty countries, employs many fewer full-time researchers. This gap highlights deeper challenges related to national priorities, leadership, and investment choices.

The difference in research and development (R&D) spending is also striking. The United States invests nearly $720 billion annually in R&D, China follows with around $310–350 billion, and Europe contributes over $500 billion collectively.

In comparison, all 60 Muslim-majority countries in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) find it hard to reach $50–70 billion. On average, these countries devote only 0.5% to 1.5% of their GDP to research, which is far below the 3%–5% seen in the U.S., China, Japan, and Europe. Without significant investment, the Muslim world continues to struggle with innovation.

This gap is evident in technology exports as well. Bangladesh makes about 4% of its export revenue from tech-based products, and Pakistan around 3%. In contrast, high-tech products account for nearly 70% of Japan’s exports, 60% of China’s, and about 58% of Singapore’s. This shows a heavy reliance on traditional industries among Muslim economies while other nations move towards knowledge- and technology-driven economies.

The education system also presents challenges. Many curricula are outdated, opportunities for analytical learning are limited, and the link between universities and industries is often weak. Additionally, a lack of focus on research stifles the development of innovative capabilities.

Meanwhile, the global landscape is changing quickly, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, robotics, and space technology. Yet, many Muslim-majority countries are still focused on providing quality basic education and fostering a culture of scientific thinking and critical inquiry.

Despite these challenges, there are hopeful signs. Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Iran, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have started to increase investments in education, science, and technology. For example, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have created top-tier universities and research centers while launching ambitious space programs. These efforts are promising, but they need to be expanded, sustained, and integrated into national strategies for a lasting impact.

There is an urgent need for visionary leadership in the Muslim world. Leaders must recognize that real national strength comes not just from economic or military power but also from scientific and technological innovation. Changing education to promote creativity, critical thinking, and research-based learning is essential.

A strong commitment to increasing R&D and supporting collaboration between universities and industries will be crucial. Without these changes, the Muslim world risks falling further behind in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

In conclusion, while it is essential to acknowledge current weaknesses, the focus must be on improvement and progress. Nations that excel in education, science, and technology today will shape the future. For the Muslim world, now is the time to begin this transformative journey; delays will only make the path ahead more difficult.

(Data and references: International analysis, personal thought, and open-source reports)

Author Bio:

Sherazur Rahman

Teacher & Writer

Singra, Natore, Bangladesh

sherazbd@gmail.com