The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Ooredoo, along with 15 national stakeholders, have joined forces to launch Qatar Innovation Community (QIC) in an effort to accelerate innovation across Qatar and create solutions for the 2022 Fifa World Cup and beyond.

Through various innovation programmes and initiatives, focusing on different strategic areas, the QIC will support and enable Qatar’s innovation capability and knowledge capital. In addition, it will address national priorities and look to enhance Qatar’s image and global competitiveness, said a statement.

The launch event took place during the QITCOM exhibition at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) yesterday (March 8). It was attended by Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications; Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Rumehi, Minister of Municipality and Environment; Hassan Al Thawadi, SC secretary general; Reem Al Mansoori, assistant undersecretary, MoTC; Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, QSTP chairman; and Waleed Al Sayed, Ooredoo CEO; along with representatives from the 15 stakeholders.

The QIC will prioritise home-grown innovations and create an enabling environment, including effective stakeholder collaboration. The initiative has four strategic goals:
1. Contribute to Qatar’s socioeconomic development plans through the identification and commercialisation of new businesses;
2. Enhance the Qatari brand through innovative solutions in key sectors, including sport and event management industries;
3. Establish effective enabling mechanisms to support innovation across Qatar;
4. Establish an effective stakeholder collaboration framework to enhance Qatar’s innovation ecosystem.

Al Thawadi said: “Innovation has been at the heart of our work, from the moment Qatar decided to bid for the 2022 Fifa World Cup. Our compact tournament plans, modular stadiums and ambitious legacy initiatives show that innovation is embedded within everything we do.

“Launching Qatar Innovation Community is the next step for the SC and our stakeholders. It shows we’re serious about laying a foundation for our country’s brightest minds to formulate ideas that will make a difference to Qatar, the region and the world.”

Al Mansoori said: “The formation of Qatar Innovation Community will support our vision of implementing smart technologies across the country and region.

“Qatar is committed to providing the very best innovation infrastructure for both public and private stakeholders, and the QIC will be the flag bearer for ensuring our country remains a hub for new ideas, invention and ground-breaking technology.”

Dr Al Ibrahim said: “Qatar Innovation Community ties in perfectly with QSTP’s vision to become an international hub for scientific and technology innovation, tech-based entrepreneurship and high-tech businesses.

“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to leverage the opportunities provided from hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup.”

Al Sayed said: “Ooredoo has been at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation since its founding in 1987. Our vision is to enrich our customers’ daily lives and help fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Through Qatar Innovation Community we will promote this philosophy to current and future innovators as we work with national stakeholders to deliver a bright future for the country, the region and the world.”

During 2017 the QIC will aim to strengthen stakeholder links and align innovation capabilities. In addition, QIC will launch three key services in order to accelerate knowledge transfer, innovation discovery, collaboration opportunities, innovation-driven entrepreneurship opportunities and joint public-private innovation projects. QIC will also implement a continuous improvement strategy to ensure the body adapts to its stakeholders’ needs and priorities, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service