ID :
396711
Thu, 02/11/2016 - 20:55
Auther :

GOIC Takes Part in The "Contemporary Functions of States From a Knowledge Economy Perspective" Conference

Doha, February 11 (QNA) - The Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) participated in the "Contemporary Functions of States from a Knowledge Economy Perspective" Conference held under the patronage of Emir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The conference aims to discuss means to develop governmental functions through authorities and institutions to boost productivity and efficiency, improve the knowledge investment environment and develop the knowledge structure. GOIC was represented by Dr. Laila Diab Shrair, Strategic Planning Consultant and Knowledge Economy Expert at GOIC. She delivered a presentation during the dialogue session on "the role of innovative environment in supporting knowledge systems" in which she shed light on knowledge-based industries and their advantages over other existing industries. According to Dr. Shrair, understanding the difference requires a comprehension of the manufacturing sector and the knowledge-based sector business models, in addition to the identification of existing clusters of knowledge-based industries. Dr. Shrair said: "The existing industries business model relies heavily on labour force, capital and raw materials. Dr. Shrair continued to talk about the most important productive industries in the GCC that can pave the way for knowledge-based industries. These industries are: the water sector (water treatment), an industry that is flourishing in Saudi Arabia, nanotechnology in concrete materials, bio-refineries in the chemical and petrochemical sectors, nanoparticle-reinforced solar technologies, sensors for environmental and chemical applications, nanostructure polymeric glasses for the automotive and construction industries, biopolymer-based functional food delivery systems and personal care products in the GCC. Moreover, there are metals that heavily rely on technology, plastic, chemical, composite and smart materials and nuclear energy. In this regard, the UAE has had multiple initiatives and Saudi Arabia is preparing agreements with international partners. Dr. Shrair concluded by stressing the important role of GOIC in the area of GCC knowledge-based industries. In 2005, GOIC prepared a study in collaboration with SRI on the readiness of GCC countries to move to knowledge-based industries by diagnosing the countries statuses, strengths and weaknesses. In January 2012, GOIC organized the 13th Gulf Industrialists Conference on knowledge-based industries and new technologies. The conference raised awareness for the importance of knowledge-based industries, their requirements and how to access them. After the conference was concluded, member states successively asked GOIC to prepare knowledge-based industry studies. In addition to that, GOIC carries out an annual diagnosis of the current situation of knowledge industries in GCC countries and their readiness to move to knowledge-based industries in accordance with global benchmarks and indicators. The annual report that the Organization puts together is then submitted to the member states. In September 2015, GOIC carried out a study on the knowledge-based industries in Bahrain in collaboration with the World Bank. The outcomes and industrial opportunities were then presented in November 2015 during "Invest in Bahrain" Forum. The Organization is also preparing a study in the same area for the State of Kuwait. (QNA)

X