worldwide in 2014 , a recent study by US research group Batelle suggests the region ’ s sizeable revenues are now being earmarked
Leading Gulf association points to innovation as a key focus for GCC Governments
REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS have put innovation at the centre of their national agendas , as evidenced by the growing research and development ( R & D ) budgets in the Arabian Gulf , reported the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association ( GPCA ).
The GPCA represents the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf . Established in 2006 , the association voices the common interests of more than 240 member companies from the chemical and allied industries , accounting for over 95 percent of chemical output in the Gulf region . The industry makes up the second largest manufacturing sector in the region , producing up to $ 102.6billion worth of products a year .
With Saudi Arabia and Qatar making up the top 40 investors in research and development into significant scientific endeavours . According to data compiled by Batelle , Qatar devotes 2.8 percent of its GDP to R & D , a level similar to that of the US or Germany . Saudi Arabia , although impressive among its GCC peers , comes in at just 0.3 percent of GDP .
Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun , Secretary General of GPCA , said : “ Attempts to drive innovation in the GCC are still at an early stage . But as countries increase R & D spending the results will have a huge impact on non-oil .
“ A similar trend can be seen in the GCC ’ s petrochemical industry . To sustain their global competitiveness , GCC chemical producers are striving for technological excellence , building world-class production facilities and nurturing local , innovative capability .
“ The mushrooming of innovation centres and technology parks over the last few years across the GCC States is a positive indication that even the chemical industry is poised for substantial technological development .”
Patent grants from the GCC in chemistry have seen a five-fold increase in the last decade ; statistics from the World Intellectual Property Organisation show that in 2013 , 288 chemical patents were granted to applicants from the Arabian Gulf , up from 48 patents in 2004 . Together with IT and electronics , the