Under the patronage of Prince Khalid bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Region, the first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference was launched at King Abdulaziz University. The event, themed “Idea, Invention, and Impact,” aims to solidify the role of academic institutions as a primary engine for economic development by empowering the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem within Saudi universities, directly supporting the goals of Vision 2030.
A Strategic Push for a Knowledge-Based Economy
The conference is strategically designed to cultivate an environment that stimulates research, development, and investment in national talent to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s overarching strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. By focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, Saudi Arabia aims to generate new job opportunities, enhance national productivity, and foster sustainable growth.
Unprecedented Public and Private Collaboration
The event featured significant participation from four key government bodies: the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP). This high-level government involvement, alongside other public and private entities, underscores a unified effort to achieve the objectives of Vision 2030. The central panel discussion, “The Role of Government Sectors in Promoting Research, Development, and Innovation,” emphasized the critical need for integration between academia and government to transform innovative concepts into projects with tangible economic and social impact.
Fostering Talent Through Workshops and Dialogue
The conference provided a robust platform for knowledge exchange and skill development, featuring 13 training workshops and 81 prominent speakers from various sectors. These sessions and initiatives were structured to empower Saudi innovators and entrepreneurs, enhancing their competitive capabilities on both local and global stages. The event serves as a crucial link, facilitating the partnerships necessary to translate academic research and novel ideas into successful economic ventures that can attract national and foreign investment.
About The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference is a landmark event hosted by King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia. Held under the theme “Idea, Invention, and Impact,” its primary mission is to enhance the role of academic institutions in national economic development. By fostering collaboration between universities, government sectors, and private enterprise, the conference aims to build a sustainable national ecosystem for research, development, and innovation in alignment with the strategic goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: News50
