Khalifa University launched its new initiative “The Abu Dhabi Innovation Series ” (Reyada). Under this series a number of workshops seminars and events will be organized to introduce the tools and best practices of the knowledge economy. Outcomes will include an understanding of global best practices and how to shape a framework for innovation that is matched to the opportunities available in Abu Dhabi.
The first workshop in the series sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) featured discussions centering on intellectual property protection and commercialization. In particular it focused on the fundamental tools that can be used for protection and commercialization of inventions and technology in the UAE.
The event was opened by Khalifa University senior management President Dr. Tod Laursen and Senior Vice President of Research and Development Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla. The event was also attended by Dr. Amr Elchouemi Research Promotion Manager Higher Education Sector Abu Dhabi Education Council.
The morning sessions covered the basics of patent and patenting with presentations from Andrew Serafini and Roger Wylie from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton and Ahmed Saleh from Al Tamimi & Co. The afternoon sessions shared examples from some of the best centers of innovation in the world. Presenters included Dr. Keith Jones from Khalifa University Dr. Lim Jui CEO of NTU Innovation in Singapore Ben Shaw of CIC in the USA and Dr Ivan Boyd and Dr. Fabrice Saffre from British Telecom. The day wrapped up with a panel discussion on what “Innovation Abu Dhabi” might look like.
Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi Executive Director of Higher Education Sector ADEC said: “Organizing technical workshops that tackle research and innovation core-related subjects such as Intellectual Property (IP) and Copyright Protection is part of ADEC’s commitment to establish the research and innovation ecosystem as well as capitalizing on the investment that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi had made in science and technology sectors.”
“There is a lot of discussion about the creation of the knowledge economy and how to put knowledge to work in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Especially following the recent announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai of the ambitious “National Innovation Strategy ” said Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla Senior Vice President for Research and Development. “Diversification of the economy will increase opportunities for Emirati’s at all education levels and strengthen the country which is why Khalifa University has chosen to initiate this series. Our hope is that Reyada can further define the path that the knowledge economy can take and provide local researchers and entrepreneurs with the tools and tactics they need in order to thrive in this exciting new economy. Khalifa University was created with the goal of supporting the knowledge economy and in addition to providing the human capital that will fuel it we believe it is our responsibility to help light the way and provide the knowledge needed to create it.”
