Information Platform for Monitoring Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators in MENA Countries

Amid the current global geopolitical situation, it seems timely and highly relevant to study the scientific potential of countries friendly to Russia in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA countries) and develop opportunities for joint research projects. The authors of the article are involved in the realization of the project of fundamental scientific research on the study of the scientific potential of the MENA region countries, conducted by RIEPL under a grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society. Within the study, the methods for assessing scientific activity results in the MENA countries have been analyzed. The authors have identified the indicator systems which are used when assessing the state of science, technology and innovation. The findings show the shortcomings of data collection, which make it difficult to assess the national scientific, technology and innovation potential in the countries under study. The research results in proposals for the development of an information platform for monitoring science, technology and innovation indicators of the MENA countries and countries belonging to such international organizations as the EAEU, BRICS, SCO, OPEC+, to which the Russian Federation is joined as a member. The research tasks have been solved using general scientific, empirical and statistical methods, such as analysis, synthesis and generalization, observation, comparison, measurement, grouping, forecasting, etc. The article presents the results of the conducted research, shows the possibilities of using the proposed platform. In addition, the authors have developed a science, technology and innovation development ranking "Vostochny Vector". The ongoing policy in the field of science, technology and innovation in the countries of the MENA region, creation of observatories for science, technology and innovation are also examined in the article.