Qatar Foundation and The Economist Tackle the Big Data Revolution

Doha, June 12 (QNA) - Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development recently participated in The Economist Groups Ideas Economy: Information event alongside leading global technology experts from organizations such as Intel and Google. The forum took place in San Francisco, California, and was the 4th event stemming from the successful relationship between Qatar Foundation and The Economist Group. Discussion at the event covered the growth in the use of data to address challenges facing the business community. It was co-chaired by Kenneth Cukier, The Economists data editor, and US technology correspondent Martin Giles. Featuring presentations from globally renowned pioneers including Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google, and Kim Stevenson, Chief Information Officer at Intel, the event reinforced Qatar Foundations position among the worlds leading advocates of knowledge advancement. Rashid Al-Qurese, Qatar Foundations Deputy Director of Communication, commented on the value of the relationship with The Economist Group, and underlined the importance of providing opportunities for delegates from Qatar to interact with other global leaders. "The thought-provoking Ideas Economy series has allowed us to accomplish several of our goals within Qatars National Vision 2030, which include driving forth innovative practices, creating fresh and exemplary business models, and training our youth to support the nation in its journey towards a knowledge economy," he said. "At Qatar Foundation we constantly endeavor to foster dialogue and meaningful collaborations, since this approach serves as a catalyst for further learning and allows us to nurture a culture of knowledge." In keeping with Qatar Foundations determination to open new doors of opportunity for talented scholars, several Qatari students were invited to attend and benefit from the wealth of expertise and knowledge shared during the Ideas Economy: Information sessions. Khalifa Al-Maadeed, a Business Administration Management student at Irvine Valley College in California, who attended the event said, "It means a lot for me to represent my country in any event globally or locally, since it is an honour for any Qatari citizen to be there for his country. Developing a knowledge economy and innovating is something we must do to improve, so that Qatar will hopefully have one of the strongest economies in the world and share its knowledge with other experts." The lively sessions offered attendees the opportunity to examine how organizations can effectively harness the "world’s avalanche of information to unlock new forms of economic value." Over the past decade, technologies that leverage data to solve business problems and identify new avenues for growth have increased remarkably. Participants explored major themes within the big data revolution and discussed its effects on businesses, governments, individuals and society. (QNA)