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UAE NATIONAL INNOVATION STRATEGY
In October 2014, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, launched the UAE National Innovation Strategy with the aim of making the UAE one of the most innovative nations in the world within seven years. His Highness made a very important announcement that day: “We invite all research institutions around the world to participate in a competition of $1 million USD to be awarded to people who can find sustainable, cheap, and innovative solutions. ”
Below are some of the details of strategy from the official UAE government page (https://uaecabinet.ae/en/the-national-strategy-for-innovation) that I would like to share with my dear readers.
The strategy consists of four tracks:
TRACK 1: ESTABLISH A STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT FOR INNOVATION IN THE FORM OF SUPPORTIVE INSTITUTIONS AND LAWS
This track will shape specialized entities such as innovation incubators as well as technological infrastructure to fuel innovation in all sectors. It will also focus on research and development in various innovation fields.
TRACK 2: DEVELOP GOVERNMENT INNOVATION BY INSTITUTIONALIZING INNOVATIVE PRACTICES WITH THE SUPPORT OF AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF MODERN TOOLS
The strategy requires all government entities to reduce spending by one percent and dedicate the savings to research and innovation projects. National training and education programs on innovation will also be launched.
TRACK 3: ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SECTOR INNOVATION BY STIMULATING COMPANIES TO ESTABLISH INNOVATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CENTERS, ADOPT NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AND DEVELOP INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The UAE will attract pioneering international firms in key innovation sectors, establish innovation communities and zones, and support applied research in areas of national priority. It will also enhance the UAE’s position as an international center to test innovations.
TRACK 4: PREPARE INDIVIDUALS WITH HIGHLY INNOVATIVE SKILLS BY CONCENTRATING ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS, INCLUDING THE CREATION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL FOR SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
The aim is to establish a national culture that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship through partnerships between the public, private, and media sectors.
The framework for the strategy is structured around the following three key pillars:
PILLAR 1: AN INNOVATION-ENABLING ENVIRONMENT
The strategy seeks to develop an environment that promotes and enables innovation by developing the right regulatory framework, providing comprehensive enabling services, enhancing the technology infrastructure, and ensuring the availability of investments and incentives.
PILLAR 2: INNOVATION CHAMPIONS
The strategy seeks to create innovation champions in individuals, companies, institutions, and government.
PILLAR 3: INNOVATION PRIORITY SECTORS
The strategy targets stimulating innovation in these seven sectors:
