Egypt is set to establish a digital platform to enable diaspora academics to support the implementation of national strategies for higher education and scientific research. This announcement was made by Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, earlier this month.
The diaspora e-platform is part of the government’s plan to upgrade higher education institutions, develop Egyptian Universities 4.0, and make research and innovation key drivers for socio-economic transformation, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Egypt’s Vision 2030 and Universities 4.0
Egypt’s Vision 2030 focuses on producing industry-ready graduates, while Egyptian University 4.0 aligns with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, emphasizing not only teaching and research but also contributing to local socio-economic development.
According to an October 2023 report, “Diaspora and the SDGs: Creating a Community of Impact,” an organized diaspora community could significantly contribute to achieving the SDGs.
The JESOR-D Initiative
The e-platform will be developed under the JESOR (meaning ‘bridges’) Development Initiative, known as JESOR-D. This initiative aims to facilitate collaboration between Egyptian experts abroad and local universities and research centers through joint projects that address local development challenges and promote sustainable growth.
JESOR-D seeks to mitigate brain drain, support national capacity-building, and transfer advanced technology from developed countries to Egypt through its scientists abroad. The initiative includes collaborative research, technology demonstrations, capacity-building, mobility, and international networking.
Database of the Academic Diaspora
The e-platform will maintain a database of Egyptian nationals abroad to mobilize their skills, knowledge, and expertise, fostering knowledge sharing with national higher education institutions and research centers. It will also strengthen relationships between local and foreign institutions where Egyptian academics are based.
Resources Hub and Skills Development
Dr. Khalid Abdel-Rahman, deputy head of the Institute for Geotechnical Engineering at Leibniz University of Hannover, emphasized the benefits of the e-platform, including facilitating interdisciplinary research, serving as a central repository for resources, and providing professional development opportunities. He noted that it would increase the visibility and impact of Egyptian research globally.
Extending the Platform
Dr. Essam Heggy, a research scientist at the University of Southern California, suggested extending the platform to include international scientists interested in Egyptian studies, regardless of their nationality, to further enrich the country’s academic and research landscape.
Turning Brain Drain into Brain Gain
Dr. Samir Khalaf Abd-El-Aal from the National Research Centre in Egypt highlighted the platform’s potential to turn brain drain into brain gain and brain circulation by connecting Egyptian academics abroad with local institutions for joint projects.
Innovative Tasks
Professor Hamed Ead from Cairo University suggested the platform focus on innovative tasks such as interactive knowledge exchanges, project matching, financing, career development, networking, mentorship, and policy advocacy. He also proposed creating a separate platform for unemployed local PhD holders to retain talent and strengthen Egypt’s R&D capabilities.
Addressing Migration
A 2022 report, “Public Views of Migration in MENA,” indicated that 13% of surveyed Egyptians are considering emigrating, primarily to escape economic hardships. The new platform aims to address this issue by providing opportunities for the younger, better-educated generations within Egypt.
Overall, the digital platform for the Egyptian academic diaspora is expected to significantly contribute to advancing academic excellence, fostering global connections, and supporting Egypt’s socio-economic development goals.
