Doha: Stakeholders from Qatar’s public, private, academic, and research sectors gained insights that will guide their contribution to an in-depth overview of the nation’s research landscape, through a training workshop hosted by Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D) in collaboration with the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS).
The two-day exercise at Qatar National Convention Centre, attended by 111 participants from 69 entities involved in research, prepared the ground for MDPS’ 2015 Research and Development Survey, which aims to measure Qatar’s research and development inputs – such as human capacity, infrastructure and facilities, and investments – to track progress, draw global comparisons, and support future planning.
Using internationally-recognised methodology, the survey – focusing on inputs during 2015 – will collate statistics and information from throughout Qatar’s research and development ecosystem, allowing key findings to be identified. The workshop, organised by QF R&D’s Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation (PPE), outlined the survey’s concept and components, and how to prepare and submit data, while also providing a networking opportunity for representatives from various sectors and research fields.
“Levels and areas of investment, workforce numbers and characteristics, physical infrastructure, and other inputs are important parameters for gauging where a nation’s research and development effort stands,” said Dr Frans Van Den Boom, Executive Director, PPE.
“The purpose of this survey is to gather information that provides visibility, and allows Qatar’s research and development inputs to be monitored, evaluated, and benchmarked against other nations. It is designed to produce comprehensive insight, which is why we are providing training, guidance, and clarity to Qatar’s research and development stakeholders, giving them a framework through which they can contribute information, experience, and expertise.
“We are delighted to be working with the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics, whose involvement in such a valuable exercise for research and development in Qatar is pivotal.”
