Building a knowledge society in the Islamic World requires structural change — not fads and symbolism, argues Athar Osama.

Farming projects must be able to access research at any point along the innovation trajectory, say Rasheed Sulaiman V. and colleagues.

New models of intellectual property rights are needed to protect — and promote — local knowledge and innovations, says Anil Gupta.

The Muslim world and donors should use nongovernmental networks to nurture the dormant seeds of entrepreneurship, says Athar Osama.

Pakistan’s universities need to have academic freedom to excel, rather than churn out fake research papers, says Pervez Hoodbhoy.

R&D funds levied on business must build organisations that offer short-term benefits through a clear strategy, says Athar Osama.

South Sudan's prosperity depends on more public universities serving more students — and focussing on S&T, not humanities, says John A. Akec.

English may be the language of science, but students learn better and contribute more when taught in their local tongue, says Giovanni Tapang.

Some Muslim countries' powerful financial incentives to make quick progress in research could backfire, cautions Athar Osama.

The online encyclopaedia can fill a resource gap for students, policymakers and the public, say Samuel A. Assefa and Alex Bateman.

Arab Spring revolutionaries turning to governance must adopt knowledge and innovation as barometers for progress, says Athar Osama.

Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan discusses how global cooperation on science can benefit a knowledge-hungry world.

Few science centres offer hands-on experience for young people in Africa. Support is needed for an expansion plan, says Graham Durant.

Ambitious plans for a 'desert development corridor' in Egypt could provide a concrete example of the social value of science, says Athar Osama.

Egypt's 'science city' will not build a science culture without its people empowered by academic experience abroad, argues Austin Dacey.

The success of Latin American countries is held back by underinvestment in science, says development policy expert Francisco Sagasti.

Policies to stimulate African development require evidence that is difficult to obtain using existing indicators, says policy analyst Watu Wamae.

More women teachers and better teaching methods will encourage girls to engage with science, says science educator Minella Clutario Alarcon.

The Islamic world needs new mechanisms that enable leaders to interact informally and share scientific knowledge, argues Athar Osama.

African innovation won't flourish unless more attention is paid to creating and sustaining markets for it, argues Linda Nordling.