The Importance of Scientific Research in Sustainable Development: The Iraqi Economy as a Model for the Period 2004- 2024

The subject of scientific research constitutes one of the fundamental pillars responsible for modernizing development and shifting it from one place to another. Those who follow the reality of developed countries may notice the large gap between these countries and developing countries, which still suffer from a severe shortage of infrastructure, which constitutes the basic foundation for establishing realistic education. Scientific importance is primarily based on the state's role in promoting education and providing all the basic requirements for the advancement of this vital sector. This is one of the highest priority tasks for advancing sustainable development and achieving desirable growth rates, contributing to shifting the economic reality from a low level to an acceptable level. The Iraqi economy is one of the economies rich in human and economic resources with an important strategic dimension. It has a solid scientific base that relies on the best international foundations in the fields of education. However, it has suffered greatly from some internal and external problems that had the largest share in the decline of the governmental levels responsible for providing these important services. This is due to Iraq’s entry into three wars that extended for more than three decades, which contributed to a significant decline in scientific accumulation. After the political change that occurred in Iraq after 2003, the government showed its desire to restructure this sector in a way that is consistent with the actual need to build generations in a new and advanced manner. This interest resulted in some quantitative changes in the basic rules represented by the number of schools of various types, in addition to increasing the number of government universities and institutes at rates of increase of up to 200%, in addition to diversifying scientific capabilities by adding some new centers for scientific research. Despite these measures, they are not commensurate with the actual need for infrastructure, as they are not sufficient to fill the gap, and the volume of education services offered reaches about 40% of the actual volume required. This matter requires an actual study by policy makers. Economic to control the scarcity of supply and meet the increasing demand, to achieve the primary goal of achieving the targeted rates of sustainable development.