The Muslim world comprises about 25% of the world's population although its total proportion of science and technical manpower represents only 3.7% and its R&D manpower is only 1.1%.

Islamic states have given the green light to the establishment of a science and technology innovation organisation or STIO to maximise utilisation of the scientific talent and technological potential of the Muslim world by pooling the resources of the private and public sectors for research and development.

Creation of the STIO was announced at the 27th meeting of the Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference held in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia last month.

Islamic states have also approved Iran's proposals for the establishment of a joint science and technology park, a 'cyber university' and a world-class nanotechnology network to boost science and technology and strengthen research capacity, science education and innovation-based industries.

"If Islamic countries based-universities and research centres get together and increase the culture of collaboration, team work and support creativity of our young scientists, and especially establish regional research centres, the Muslim world will be able to achieve its scientific goals and establish knowledge-based society."