The science and technology plan of action prepared by COMSTECH proposed the progressive establishment of high technology institutions in the OIC region in selected areas of science and technology. Due to constant neglect of science and technology in the Muslim world, no single member state is able to muster all the necessary human and material resources and provide full facilities for research and development. Therefore it was argued that a collective approach would be beneficial. This led to the concept of networking of resources and establishment of Centres of Excellence in key disciplines to enable the COMSTECH member states to develop a respectable level of research.
Accordingly, COMSTECH has established Thirteen Inter-Islamic Networks:
1. Inter-Islamic Network on Renewable Energy Sources (INRES) Republic of Niger
2. Inter-Islamic Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET) Islamic Republic of Pakistan
3. Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development & Management INWRDAM) Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
4. Inter-Islamic Network on Oceanography (INOC) Republic of Turkey
5. Inter-Islamic Network on Environment (INE) Republic of Sudan
6. Inter-Islamic Network on Veterinary Science Research (INVSR) Republic of Sudan
7. Inter-Islamic Network of Virtual Universities Islamic Republic of Iran
8. Inter-Islamic Network of Science & Technology Parks Islamic Republic of Iran
9. Inter-Islamic Network of Nano-Technology Islamic Republic of Iran
10. Inter-Islamic Network on Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (INOGE) Arab Republic of Egypt
11. Inter-Islamic Network on Tropical Medicine (INTROM) Malaysia
12. Inter-Islamic Network on Information Technology (INIT) Islamic Republic of Pakistan
13. Inter-Islamic Network on Biosaline Agriculture (INBA) United Arab Emirates
The General Assembly of COMSTECH has approved four more Inter Islamic Networks in Sudan and in Iran and efforts are on to make these Networks operational.
Launched with seed money provided by COMSTECH, the Networks are now being supported by the host governments and the Islamic Development Bank. They conduct research programs and hold seminars/workshops in their specialized fields.