First Phase among DIAC Universities and Corporate Sector Reveals Significant Outcomes

Dubai-UAE: 14 April, 2011 - As a first step to building a research and development (R&D) collaboration among the higher education, public and corporate sectors in the UAE, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a member of TECOM Investments Education Cluster, has rolled out a survey for stakeholders through its Partner Development division.

DIAC's initiative comes on the back of its pioneering status as the largest academic zone in the UAE with over 18,000 students in the 2009-10 academic intake. Home to 27 international universities from 11 countries, DIAC hosts 58 per cent and 23.5 per cent of the universities in the UAE and GCC respectively (2010 'UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education in the Arab States - Beirut).  

The first phase of the survey conducted among DIAC academic partners and the corporate sector has produced significant outcomes.

Over 66 per cent of the DIAC-based universities agreed they have an allocated budget for research, while 84 per cent confirmed the participation of their academic staff in research projects with their respective home campus. Nearly 50 per cent of the universities stated almost half of their academic staff is active in research in the DIAC branch campuses.

The survey among the corporate sector has stated one third (32.2 per cent) of the companies undertake research and development work in Dubai, while roughly one fourth of the respondents (24.3 per cent) allocate less than one per cent of the revenue to R&D. Over 52.2 per cent of the corporate sector respondents said that closer contact with universities would encourage their company to utilize local expertise in research and development.

In its second phase, the survey will elicit feedback from government authorities. Following the conclusion of the study, the consolidated results will be announced in May 2011.

The announcements came during the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX) 2011, the Middle East's three-day leading education fair that runs until 16 April at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. DIAC's sponsorship and participation for the fifth consecutive year comes as part of its objective to showcase higher education opportunities in the academic cluster. 

Dr Ayoub Kazim, Managing Director, Education Cluster - TECOM Investments, said: "The survey is part of Dubai International Academic City's efforts to understand the current R&D landscape in the country as part of our plan to support research and development through universities.

"R&D is a major component that is crucial for driving Dubai and the UAE towards innovation and a knowledge-economy. We are confident the study will offer insights into the capability of our academic partners including DIAC faculty, students and facilities. It will also indicate the corporate demand for research and throw light on the government and private sector's requirements and readiness to fund research."

Professor Rob Whelan, President - University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), said: "The building of R&D capacity is critical for development in the UAE. Continuing the shift to a knowledge-based economy needs to be underpinned by significant public sector and government spending in R&D.

"UOWD is moving quickly in this direction already, with our new doctoral programs and several large research projects that are funded by the Emirates Foundation. We are also looking to appoint more research-active academic staff in several disciplines. As much of the current capacity for the UAE's R&D effort resides in universities, we need to find best ways to build this capacity across the sector and harness it for the public good. This DIAC R&D project is an important first step in that process." 

DIAC academic partner Heriot-Watt is a research-led university. Its work ranges from fundamental and theoretical studies to research of immediate relevance to industry and practice-based studies.

Professor Ammar Kaka, Vice-Principal of Heriot-Watt University, Executive Dean and Head of the Dubai Campus, said: "We have established a number of virtual research groups to facilitate collaboration between colleagues in both campuses. Having an established branch campus opens up a significant opportunity to engage in research relevant to the region. We appreciate the need for contextualizing research to local needs and this should drive growth in our research portfolio. During the past two years, faculty in the Dubai campus have won joint research grants amounting to one million US dollar and have published in excess of 50 academic articles.

"The DIAC initiative will help universities assess the research needs of the local industry and encourage cross-university collaboration. The need for research and development in the UAE will only be addressed by a collaborative approach and Heriot-Watt is keen to play an important role in working with DIAC and its partners to fulfil this need."

Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village, members of TECOM Investments' Education Cluster, play a crucial role in contributing to the vision of establishing Dubai as a destination of choice for higher education at the national and regional level through hosting branch campuses of premier international universities that cater to a network of over 18,000 students.

-Ends-

About Dubai International Academic City:
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is the world's only Free Zone dedicated to Higher Education.  Established in 2007 as part of TECOM Investments, DIAC aims to develop the region's talent pool and establish the UAE as a knowledge-based economy.

DIAC is the premier destination for Higher Education in the region, located on a fully-appointed 18 million sq ft. campus with state-of-the-art modern facilities.  DIAC currently has 27 Academic institutions from 11 countries.

The DIAC campus is host to over 18,000 students from more than 100 nationalities.  DIAC students also have access to over 300 Higher Education programmes.

DIAC Phase III achieved a "Green" status and was awarded Silver LEED certification.  DIAC provides an established educational environment for academic institutions and caters to students from around the world.

DIAC is also ranked top 10 in the Middle East under "Best Transportation" category and top 25 in the Middle East under "Best Overall" category according to 2010 Financial Times Rankings.

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© Press Release 2011