'AGU', 'BIPA' Issue Policy Brief: 'Innovation in Times of Crises'

AGU – Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain: The Arabian Gulf University (AGU), in collaboration with Bahrain Institute of Public Administration (BIPA), has recently issued a policy brief titled "Crisis-Driven Innovation: Public Sector Response During the Covid-19 Outbreak".

The brief is the first of its kind that is founded on a descriptive scientific study, which discussed the means utilised by policymakers and executive bodies to combat crises.

On this occasion, BIPA Director General Dr Raed Mohammed Bin Shams affirmed that combatting the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) is a national responsibility that is shared by all authorities and individuals in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Dr Bin Shams pointed out that the best way to confront this global health crisis, with all its various repercussions, is in employing the best scientific and applied methodologies and tools, in order to come out with solid research and studies, which expand the horizons of innovation and contribute to exploring future government strategies that meet the aspirations of the homeland and its citizens.

Additionally, Dr Bin Shams reiterated that the solid partnership between BIPA and AGU reflects both parties' visions to unify efforts and utilise all scientific and administrative capabilities to serve and support the first defence lines in the combat against the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Shedding light on innovation during crises and the promotion of the use of technology contribute to setting firm foundations to deal with crises and defying it with innovative solutions, simultaneously with the implementation of sound methodologies and mechanisms," he added.

For his part, AGU President Dr Khalid bin Abdulrahman Al Ohaly, explained that the University has cooperated with BIPA in adopting this study, based on AGU's leading role as a Gulf incubator for unique and rare research, and in order to promote the objectives for which it was established, including addressing unique and rare issues.

Dr Al Ohaly also noted to the Kingdom of Bahrain's singularity in successfully managing the health crisis created by Covid-19 pandemic, owing it to the wise directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the care provided to the  residents and citizens of Bahrain by the Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and the exceptional efforts exerted by the Coordination Committee, spearheaded by the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with the aim of combatting the pandemic.

Commenting on the collaboration between AGU and BIPA in conducting the descriptive research on innovation in the times of crises, Dr Al Ohaly described it as a breakthrough for employing science, knowledge and technological tools in defying crises and anticipating future strategies based on sound foundations and concepts that are in line with the current requirements.

It is worth noting that the research included interviews with senior officials in the Kingdom's health sector, who are on the frontlines in the battle against the virus. Within eight pages, the research addressed several topics related to the ongoing pandemic and the means to curtail its repercussions. This included the key administrative pillars of the public sector's crises response by following crises-driven innovation, as well as policy adaptation, promoting social responsibility and cohesion, strengthening institutional collaborations and more.

The research team supervising the issuance of the brief policy consisted of Dr Odeh Al Jayyousi, Dr Christopher M. Durugbo, Dr ​Soud M. Almahamid, Dr Lulwa H. Budalamah and Batoul Bendi Murad.​

-Ends-

© Press Release 2020