TECOM Investments and universities based at Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) have implemented a number of initiatives to encourage innovation in education. The initiatives are a testimony to TECOM Investments’ commitment to knowledge creation as a fundamental pillar of success for both the industry and the nation, according to Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, TECOM Investments’ Education Cluster.
Outlining the strategies put in place, Dr Kazim added: “The pioneering initiatives include Dubai Media City’s Ibda’a Media Student Award. Launched in 2001, Ibda’a aims to recognise, nurture and promote young talent from around the world. Majed Bin Mohammed Innovation center in5, an initiative of Dubai Internet City, is an incubation center envisioned to promote entrepreneurship and technical innovation in the UAE. in5’s ultimate objective is to support young entrepreneurs and technology innovators in addition to driving the growth of the small and medium enterprises in the IT sector in the UAE and the region.”
Dr. Kazim’s remarks came as part of his address at the third Annual Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum that was held from 23-25 January. Supported by Dubai International Academic City, member of the TECOM Investments’ Education Cluster, the event brought together international experts and leading innovators to discuss the lessons learnt from implementing innovative processes and strategies and the results that such efforts can deliver.
Dr. Kazim said: “Our focus on supporting innovative practices has redefined the concept of a free zone. At Dubai International Academic City, we encourage our academic partners to offer inventive and contemporary courses that are relevant to market demands including alternate energy such as solar and wind, digital forensics, logistics and supply chain management as well as public health.”
Dr Ayoub Kazim also briefed the gathering on the initiatives of DIAC’s academic partners including the Manchester Innovation Award for Emiratis, organized by the Manchester Business School (MBS) to stimulate entrepreneurship and business innovation among UAE nationals.
Randa Bessiso, Director, Middle East, Manchester Business School, said: "Encouraging and supporting innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship is part of our mission at Manchester Business School. Manchester Innovation Award for Emiratis provides practical, academic and financial support to help develop the best ideas into successful businesses. The award runs over two years and the winners receive on-going support in the development of the winning business concept such as advice and mentoring from the MBS faculty.”
Dubai International Academic City also supports Hult Global Case Challenge organized by its academic partner Hult Business School. The Challenge brings together the world’s brightest business school minds to tackle the most pressing global issues. The Hult Global Case Challenge is an annual competition that helps crowd-source tangible ideas for resolving concrete social issues.
Partner Development Management (PDM) department is part of the innovative management strategies that the TECOM Education Cluster has implemented to engage all stakeholders. PDM leads the implementation of networking events for key industry players, as well as one-on-one interviews, focus groups and surveys. The department’s multiple initiatives and platforms, including the DKV Breakfast Club, SME Builder, Training Open Week and the DIAC Education Forum, offer distinctive value-added proposition to business partners.
The third Annual Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum focused on overcoming the key barriers to innovation and identifying practical strategies for creating a culture shift to unleash the innovation potential in every organization. It was attended by C-level executives from a number of industry sectors including the public sector, telecommunications, information technology, healthcare and pharmaceutical, manufacturing, banking and finance, retail and distribution, transport, quality management, as well as oil and gas and construction.
