"Sharjah Research and Technology" The Union of Arab Scientific Research Councils reviews strengthening research integration

Sharjah, February 12, 2017 – The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Complex, in cooperation with the Union of Arab Scientific Research Councils, reviewed the development of a strategic cooperation path aimed at enhancing Arab research and innovation integration, and building an integrated research and development system that supports the transformation of knowledge into sustainable economic and development value.

This came during a reception by His Excellency Hussein Al-Mahmoudi, Executive Director of the Academy, Dr. Abdel Majeed Bin Amara, Secretary-General of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, in the presence of Dr. Farid Al-Amiri, Executive Director of Strategy at the Academy, where mechanisms for launching specific initiatives that enhance institutional and research integration between Arab countries were reviewed.

The two sides discussed the establishment of cross-border Arab research alliances that include scientific research councils, universities, innovation centers and the industrial sector, to implement priority development projects, accelerate technology transfer, and enhance the readiness of Arab economies to shift towards a model based on innovation and knowledge.

The discussions also touched on supporting green innovation and sustainable technologies, and creating the necessary frameworks to embrace and accelerate promising research projects and transform them into commercially applicable solutions, in addition to reviewing mechanisms for marketing Arab intellectual property and linking them with industrial partners and investors, in a way that contributes to enhancing the economic return of scientific research and raising the competitiveness of Arab knowledge products.

The two parties stressed the importance of enhancing the mobility and attraction of Arab researchers and scientists, and developing joint programs to build capabilities and empower scientific competencies, especially in countries facing development challenges, through incubation initiatives, research fellowships, and joint funding that supports research and development activities and meets national needs.

Within the framework of unifying efforts, support for a specialized Arab network was reviewed to highlight the activities of research and development centers and technology parks, with the aim of coordinating research priorities, exchanging data and knowledge, and developing supportive policies and indicators for financing scientific research and enhancing investment in innovation and the knowledge economy at the regional level.

The two sides also discussed organizing conferences, scientific forums, and joint training programs, and strengthening partnerships with international organizations concerned with intellectual property and technology transfer, in a way that contributes to strengthening the Arab presence on the global innovation map.

Al Mahmoudi stressed that the consultations reflect the complex’s vision of building strategic Arab alliances that contribute to accelerating the transformation of knowledge into sustainable economic applications, and consolidate the position of the Emirate of Sharjah as a regional and international center for research, development and innovation.

Dr. Abdel Majeed Bin Amara stressed the importance of integrating Arab efforts in the fields of scientific research and technology transfer, ensuring the unification of resources and expertise and enhancing the ability of Arab countries to face development and economic challenges through solutions based on science and innovation.

The move comes in light of the growing need for joint Arab frameworks that support investment in scientific research, and paves the way for the launch of complementary initiatives that promote the building of a competitive, knowledge-based Arab economy capable of achieving sustainable development.

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