(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) As part of its national strategy to transition into a knowledge-based economy, the UAE has rightfully turned its focus on creativity and innovation, facilitated by technological inventions and digital solutions. Government entities and private corporations and institutions have been called upon to prioritise innovation as the central theme of their initiatives and programmes. The focus on innovation has quickly spread in the entire nation and the establishment of technology innovation hubs has become a critical facilitator of the vision.
During this year's UAE Innovation Month, the government launched the Innovation Hub, a first of its kind in the Middle East, in Abu Dhabi, signifying its objective to harness digital technologies to deliver citizen-focused services.
Sharjah's future developments revolve around the national strategy. The government has committed to investing half a billion dollars (Dh1.8 billion) in the American University of Sharjah (AUS) over the next four years to fund the university's goal of becoming the top research university in the Arab world.
Among its projects is the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), which is built within the University City and now the cornerstone of AUS Enterprises. The park forms part of Sharjah's efforts to foster innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and develop a sustainable knowledge economy. The project was preceded by 'Sheraa', the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, launched at the AUS in 2016 by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) to inspire young people to start their own enterprises and raise the emirate's profile as a preferred destination for startups.
One of the main national objectives of UAE Vision 2021 is for the Emirates to be 'United in Knowledge' and innovation which is at the heart of this ambition. The path towards this destination, however, is paved with many challenges and obstacles, starting with the creation of technology innovation hubs.
As seen in other geographies, technology innovation hubs are key to enabling innovators and entrepreneurs. They are also considered essential in implementing next-generation technologies in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, they help promote science and technology at the local and regional levels, equipping innovators of all ages with specific knowledge and skills in machine learning, application development, 3D printing, laser-cutting and other technology-driven industry practices. These technologies are expected to reshape the future.
Establishing sustainable technology innovation hubs, however, does not happen without overcoming serious challenges. These include negotiating and renegotiating power relationships, co-creating public sector policy solutions and establishing mutual trust among partners, understanding of incentives and shared buy-in.
The latter is designed to facilitate co-creation and collaboration between tech innovation hubs and public-sector partners. Governments are, thus, instrumental in driving innovation and clearing the path towards building more sustainable technology innovation hubs. In the UAE, technology innovation hubs are working towards building an ingrained, proactive and long-term policy-maker engagement.
Overall, to guarantee the growth of technology innovation hubs all over the world, we need government support, a non-restrictive financial system and policy reform supporting tech innovation ecosystems. Additionally, governments need to become the consumer of local tech innovations for these hubs to flourish. In short, we need to provide an environment where innovators, social entrepreneurs and technologists can thrive and be allowed to learn and influence policy-making.
The Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has proudly led us by example. From the inception of the AUS in 1997 to the launch of AUS Enterprises, his leadership has proved that ideas can be nurtured and commercialised to achieve economic growth and technological innovation.
Admittedly, many countries are still in the process of enacting the necessary regulations to fully foster innovation and creativity. Challenges are to be expected, but these should not hinder or discourage us from making the needed policy shifts to sustain investment and encourage innovation.
The writer is CEO of Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. Views expressed are his own and do not reflect the newspaper's policy.
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