Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Policy and Priorities in Light of Islamic Sharia Objectives ( Maqasid Al-Sharia).

As the world faces increasing social, political and environmental challenges, the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) will be vital in bringing people together to find common solutions and positively impact people's lives around the world. Science, Technology and Innovation policy was analyzed based on several indicators with special attention to STI capacity building as a pre-requisite for any successful policy implementation. Research and Development (R&D), scientific output in terms of patents and publications, and human resources development in STI were also considered in detail as a basis for the analysis. The analysis revealed that the Arab and Muslim region is lagging behind on several fronts including R&D spending, filing of invention patents, research output and quality, and the availability of full time researchers.

It was demonstrated in this work that Islamic Law, which has long been associated with narrow interpretations related to punishments and personal codes, could be a part of the debate in relation to contemporary issues that humanity is struggling with in the 21s century, such as science, technology, innovation, development, poverty reduction ad sustainability. STI policy grounded in Islamic objectives and based on Maqasid principles is believed to deliver the intended outcomes and improve the well-being of people by solving current issues and creating new opportunities. The contemporary understanding of the objectives of Islamic law was established as a basis to promote the topics of STI capacity building, Research and Development, research excellence and scientific output, and human resources development and STI collaboration as necessities directly related to the preservation of life, mind, wealth, dignity and human well-being, under Maqasid Al-Sharia.

Maqasid Al-Sharia was also established as criteria to determine STI public policy priorities as a guide to make sure these policies do not result in any harm (mafsada) to individuals or societies or any unintended consequences. Finally, the thesis proposed a model or matrix summarizing how The Higher objectives of Islamic Law (Maqasid Al-Sharia) could serve as a basis for STI policy making and prioritization, and as a guide for effective and efficient STI policy.