The ten-year plan to promote science and technology in the Muslim world, which the 57 predominantly Islamic states endorsed last week (7-8 December), is a welcome step (see Islamic states urged to follow 10-year science plan).

If the technology gap between the Islamic community and the developed world is to be reduced, the level of research and development must increase in the former.

There is no dearth of available talent in such countries, but more government support and better working environments are needed.