The partnership aims to enhance cooperation to build a knowledge-based economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030
Doha, September 23, 2021 – Qatar University (QU) and Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a key partnership to promote various programs, policies and activities that will contribute to the development of the overall national research, development and innovation ecosystem.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Hassan Rashid Al-Derham, President of QU, and Eng. Omar Ali Al-Ansari, Secretary-General of QRDI Council, on September 22, 2021 at Qatar University.
The partnership cements the university’s critical role in delivering high-quality education and scientific research in Qatar. It also highlights the Council’s goal of creating collaborative ties with key stakeholders across the research, development and innovation (RDI) ecosystem in Qatar, working toward building a knowledge-based economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Under the memorandum, the two parties will work together to realize Qatar’s RDI vision and strategy. The strategy calls for enhancing Qatar’s prosperity and increasing the country’s ability to meet national challenges by fostering a healthy RDI ecosystem that is underpinned by a strong base of RDI talent and effective collaborations between academia, government and industry.
The agreement also outlines QU’s contribution towards nurturing talent to drive future, private-sector innovation as well as providing and encouraging the use of research services to businesses.
These goals will be achieved through the creation of programs and policies that develop a pipeline of STEM graduates who can occupy emerging RDI jobs. At the same time, the action plan will outline ways in which QU can equip its graduates with the necessary skills needed to fulfill RDI roles emanating from the private sector and government in Qatar.
Furthermore, the two parties agreed to showcase and offer access to some of QU’s world-class technology, equipment and infrastructure, to both local and international researchers and innovators. Finally, the MoU describes the goal of improving the conditions that impact research and innovative business activity, to further improve the ease of conducting such activities in the country.
On this occasion, QU President Dr. Hassan Al-Derham stressed the importance of this agreement saying, “Qatar University has a comprehensive strategy and a clear vision, in all that concerns research and innovation. We are thrilled to be cooperating with the QRDI and seek a long-term partnership to achieve our collective goals and work towards creating a knowledge-based economy that is reliant on human capacity. Through this partnership, we can create an ideal and leading research environment.”
For his part, Engineer Omar Ali Al-Ansari, Secretary General of QRDI Council, said: “We seek to establish the foundations of an integrated RDI ecosystem. This is an ecosystem that can stimulate the production, manufacturing and testing of innovative solutions in various priority areas. Such activities will be driven by the innovative workforce that is emerging from the academic and research-based institutions that have been established in the country over the past decades. The partnership with Qatar University is a true model of cooperation that will contribute to strengthening the national ecosystem for RDI, and achieving the aspirations set in Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council was established in 2018 to drive research, development, and innovation (RDI) efforts on a national level in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Second National Development Strategy (2018-2022). QRDI Council has developed a ten-year strategy, QRDI 2030, which seeks to create a locally empowered, globally connected RDI ecosystem, mobilizing leadership across government, academia and industry, to transform the social and economic future of Qatar. QRDI Council members include prominent national and international figures from various government and academic entities as well as industry experts.
Qatar University is one of the leading institutions of academic and research excellence in the GCC region. It provides high quality undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare competent graduates, primed to shape the future of Qatar. The organization’s strong relationship with Qatari society is reflected in its community service efforts and in its vibrant research portfolio that addresses relevant local and regional challenges, advances national goals towards a knowledge-based economy, and contributes actively to the needs and aspirations of the society.
Source: Qatar University