Dubai can be transformed into a science and technology hub in the Middle East through technology evaluation, which will encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to invest into innovation and manufacturing.
This was among the main points highlighted during the first round table discussion on technology evaluation organized by Micro Automation Industries (MAI), a Jebel Ali-based manufacturer, and in cooperation with Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai. The event identified methodologies and criteria to evaluate and select advanced technology appropriate to be settled or supported in the UAE.
“Technology evaluation is very important for any economy as witnessed in developed countries,” said Hazim Al-Hajjaj, CEO of MAI. “This will help Dubai to further flourish and diversify the economy. It is crucial for the government in its endeavor to advance the manufacturing and industrial sector by giving it greater credence.”
The first round table discussion on technology evaluation was part of a series of discussion scheduled to be held during the year with the Dubai SME members. About 30 UAE-based SMEs attended the discussion. According to Al Hajjaj, with knowledge-based capital driving investment and productivity in the 21st century, technology evaluation becomes critical to avoid clustering of inappropriate technology.
Harry Wouters, business strategy adviser at MAI in Belgium, who has overseen many such technology evaluation discussions in Europe, explained: “Technology evaluation will serve as a measurement tool in creating a strategy, which will enable government policies to support the priority areas in the UAE on a macro level like bio-technology, nanotechnology, information technology, digital and electronics among others.”
Other points discussed during the event were the techniques used in evaluation from developed countries, suggested framework for evaluation, and the role the government can play to attract critical added value technologies emerging in Dubai. Abdulhaleem Aman, technology adviser at MAI in Germany mentioned challenges that Dubai is currently facing in the technology sector such as the lack of support from financial institutions to SMEs and that the environment is not right for R&D activities.
MAI is a premium member of the Dubai SME100 and was ranked number one in Innovation in 2011. With a 35-year history in the field of engineering design, development, prototyping and manufacturing, the company has carved a niche as the region’s leader in the field of power protection.
Dubai can become regional ‘science, technology hub’
