I. E. Ilina, R. S. Bogatova, E. A. Vorontsova. Scientific Cooperation between Russia and the MENA Countries: Challenges and Prospects

https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.129.033.202504.594-614
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/dtolnk
УДК / UDC 327.3:001(470+571)

Abstract

Introduction. Despite Russia’s significant scientific and technical potential, its influence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains limited due to insufficient integration into international research projects, a low share of joint scientific publications, and undeveloped science diplomacy. The purpose of this study is to identify key areas and mechanisms that could expand Russia’s scientific cooperation with MENA countries and strengthen its position in the region’s science and technology sphere.

Materials and Methods. The research is based on statistics from international organizations (UNESCO, WIPO, World Bank), the international patent database ORBIT Intelligence, scientific citation databases Scopus and Web of Science, as well as data from national scientific agencies and ministries of education and science of the region’s countries. The study employs comparative and structural analysis, bibliometric analysis of publications and patents, and data visualization in Excel to reveal collaboration networks.

Results. The study found that MENA countries and Russia have potentially complementary scientific and technological profiles. Trends in scientific research in the Middle East and North Africa were characterized. Potential opportunities for cooperation were identified – in oil extraction with Saudi Arabia, in medicine with Israel, and in nanotechnology with Egypt. Promising areas for Russia’s cooperation with MENA countries include medicine (across 16 countries) and mechanical engineering (across 14 countries).

Discussion and Conclusion. The practical significance of the study lies in identifying growth points for Russia’s science diplomacy: the development of joint competence centers and laboratories, and the expansion of participation in joint research projects confirm the need for a systemic approach to advancing Russia’s international scientific cooperation with MENA countries. The results can be used to formulate practical recommendations for strengthening bilateral and multilateral scientific ties, developing sustainable partnership formats, and establishing a long-term infrastructural basis for cooperation.

Keywords: international scientific and technological cooperation, research centers, scientific infrastructure, MENA countries, scientific potential

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The research has been conducted in accordance with State Task No. 075-00721-25-00 under the Basic Scientific Research Program “Novel Integration Model for the Development of International Cooperation Between the Countries of the Middle East and Russia, Their Strategic Partner” 2025–2027.

For citation: Ilina I.E., Bogatova R.S., Vorontsova E.A. Scientific Cooperation between Russia and the MENA Countries: Challenges and Prospects. Russian Journal of Regional Studies. 2025;33(4):594–614. https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.129.033.202504.594-614

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About the authors:

Irina E. Ilina, Dr.Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor, Director of the Russian Research Institute of Economics, Politics and Law in Science and Technology (20А Dobrolyubov St., Moscow 127254, Russian Federation), ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6609-3340, Researcher ID: J-9790-2014, Scopus ID: 56613287600, SPIN-code: 2616-3314, ilina@riep.ru

Raisa S. Bogatova, Analyst at the Center for International Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Russian Research Institute of Economics, Politics and Law in Science and Technology (20А Dobrolyubov St., Moscow 127254, Russian Federation), ORCID: http://orcid.org/0009-0001-2937-1759, Researcher ID: JXM-3551-2024, SPIN-cоde: 1679-7191, graisa@mail.ru

Ekaterina A. Vorontsova, Cand.Sci. (Ped.), Senior Researcher, Center for International Science and Technology Cooperation, Russian Research Institute of Economics, Politics and Law in Science and Technology (20А Dobrolyubov St., Moscow 127254, Russian Federation), ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4373-1458, Researcher ID: ABV-2409-2022, SPIN-code: 5046-5460, e.vorontsova@riep.ru

Contribution of the authors:

I. E. Ilina – сonceptualization; data curation; investigation; project administration; supervision.

R. S. Bogatova – сonceptualization; data curation; formal analysis; investigation; methodology; visualization; writing – original draft preparation; writing – editing.

E. A. Vorontsova – сonceptualization; formal analysis; investigation; methodology; writing – editing.

Availability of data and materials. The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the authors on reasonable request.

The authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 27.01.2025; revised 11.06.2025; accepted 20.06.2025.