Interview, Podcast
The club rules? India’s RSS
- Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) aim to accelerate economic diversification away from fossil fuels by the end of the decade through science and innovation blueprints.
- Current R&D spending remains below target at approximately 1.5% of GDP in the UAE, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar lower, compared to nearly 3% in other wealthy nations.
- The region is adopting a government-led strategy engaging academia, the private sector, and investors to address domestic challenges including energy efficiency, food security, and health.
- International academic partnerships are evolving into collaborations with equal participation to bolster economic growth and local implementation.
- Regional leaders face strategic choices between Western and Chinese alliances to expedite necessary economic diversification.
- Scientific initiatives may yield results for conditions such as rare breast cancer forms, potentially benefiting millions globally, though this requires long-term patience as returns will likely exceed standard 5-year private equity timelines.
- Sustaining international collaboration requires governments to demonstrate appropriate execution and commitment to scientific efforts.
- Google search interest in the term "kakistocracy" spiked immediately following Donald Trump's re-election and again on November 14th, 15th, and 21st, reflecting anxieties among a slim majority of American voters and global populations.