Cairo University has launched a new global index aimed at measuring the impact of research, development, and innovation on sustainable development, marking a shift from traditional metrics that focus primarily on publication output and citation counts.
The initiative was unveiled as part of a joint research project between Cairo University and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, according to Mahmoud El-Saeed, Vice President of Cairo University for Graduate Studies and Research.
Speaking in a televised interview, El-Saeed said the Research, Development and Innovation for Development Index seeks to evaluate how scientific research contributes to economic and social development, rather than relying solely on conventional indicators such as the number of published papers or scientific citations.
"The new index focuses on measuring the actual developmental impact of research, development and innovation," El-Saeed said, noting that most existing global indicators concentrate on academic output without sufficiently assessing its contribution to society and sustainable development.
He added that the initiative aligns with Egypt's national efforts, as well as global trends, to strengthen knowledge-based economies driven by innovation and digital transformation.
According to El-Saeed, the project also represents a successful model of cooperation between universities and national institutions. He highlighted the partnership between Cairo University and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology as an example of collaborative efforts to develop a globally relevant tool for assessing research performance and developmental outcomes.
El-Saeed affairmed that indicators play a critical role in policymaking and investment decisions, comparing them to international university rankings and economic indexes that help governments and institutions evaluate performance and set strategic priorities.
"Indicators are important numerical tools that support decision-making and guide investments and public policies," he said.
The launch comes amid growing international interest in linking scientific research and innovation to sustainable development goals, as governments and academic institutions seek more comprehensive ways to assess the real-world impact of research activities beyond traditional academic benchmarks.
The new index is expected to provide policymakers, researchers and institutions with a framework for evaluating how scientific and technological advancements contribute to development objectives and societal progress.
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