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Dubai Can Become Technology Hub, Say Experts At Industry Roundtable
Published Jul 1, 2013
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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 organised by Micro Automation Industries (MAI), a Jebel Ali-based manufacturer, 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 in the UAE.
“Technology evaluation is very important for any economy as witnessed in developed countries,” said Hazim Al Hajjaj, CEO of Micro Automation Industries. “This will help Dubai to further flourish and diversify the economy. It is crucial for the government in its endeavour 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 discussions scheduled to be held throughout 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 Advisor at Micro Automation Industries 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.”
Technology in Dubai can benefit from vast opportunities due to an array of advantages such as a well-developed infrastructure, easy access to the world market, existing metropolitan city, and far-advanced electronic government (e-government). Dubai’s social environment facilitates smooth cohesion of multinational technical experts and highly qualified researchers. Most important is the acceptance of ‘Made in UAE’ as quality mark products in Europe, which poses a great advantage for the emirate.
Christophe Boeraeve, legal adviser at Micro Automation Industries in Belgium also presented goals and policies derived from the vision of UAE Leaders on winning the race for excellence even in the field of advanced technologies. “As the new or ‘creative’ economy does not require huge manufacturing and production complexes, it represents a unique opportunity for SMEs. Another goal is envisaged to put the ‘Made in UAE’ mark to be a synonymous with excellence, not only in the Gulf region and the Arab world, but all around the globe,” he said.
Dr. Abdulhaleem Aman, technology Advisor at Micro Automation Industries in Germany, raised two aspects required in evaluating a technology, technical aspects for assessing which technology is suitable, and commercial aspects to accept a particular technology from financial points of view. Among the guidelines set for technical consideration must include innovation; competitiveness in the UAE; impact upon the business as a whole; creativity; relevance to other technologies; added value in products; and possible effects on environment. The guidelines set for commercial aspects include market value of physical and tangible assets; cost of the know how; investment risk and expected outcomes; reasonable and justified budgeted cost; and potential high commercial returns for Dubai.
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. The event also tackled 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.
Micro Automation Industries 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.
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VMD - [Virtual Marketing Department]
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