UAE – [Ahmed Saleh, regional manager of patents and design from Al Tamimi and Company] noted the diversification plan by the UAE and the building of a knowledge-based economy. “There is a lot of discussion about the creation of the knowledge economy and how to put knowledge to work in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Especially following the recent announcement by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, of the ambitious “National Innovation Strategy”, said Dr Mohammed Al Mualla, senior vice-president for Research and Development at Khalifa University. “Diversification of the economy will increase opportunities for Emiratis at all education levels and strengthen the country… our hope is that Reyada can further define the path that the knowledge economy can take, and provide local researchers and entrepreneurs with the tools and tactics they need in order to thrive in this exciting new economy,” he added. Link
Cardiff, UK – Tim Williams, chief executive of think tank Committee for Sydney, addressed a meeting of the Cardiff Breakfast Club. Mr Williams said: “Cardiff is developing and has a bright future. Cities are attractive because they create knowledge transfers and economic outcomes and are gaining more importance in the knowledge economy.” Link
Nigeria – Vice- Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi observed that economic research, Innovation and education were key factors of knowledge economy. Adeyemi noted that knowledge economy was gradually ruling the world, adding that Nigeria must trade on such path if it desires to occupy its rightful position in the committee of nations. He added that the Bells University was following the path by breeding the next generation of Africa’s leaders well-grounded in ICT and other modern technology needed to excel in the society. Link
Kentucky – Kentucky’s historic commitment to research, however, is at some risk. But if we want a competitive, innovative economy we need to continue to invest in programs like Bucks for Brains, and to support the commercialization of research which will lead to the creation of knowledge economy jobs in the agriculture, energy, technology, health, advanced manufacturing and business sectors. Continuing to invest in research and innovation is critical to our state’s economic future. Link
Singapore – Singapore’s Senior Minister of State in the Law and Education Ministries Indranee Rajah, the chief guest at the event, noted that the quiz was one of the many ways Tata reaches out to the community, in particular the youths. “From the time that Tata Group was established in Singapore in early 1970s, they have stuck to their values, made efforts to engage the community even as they have expanded their business footprint here,” Rajah said. She said in addition to the quiz there was also the Tata International Internship programme which since 2007 has provided a platform for Singapore youths to gain deeper understanding of India. The quiz was conducted by Giri ‘Pickbrain’ Balasubramanium, the founder and chief executive officer of Greycaps India Pvt Ltd, India’s third largest on stage quizzing and knowledge service provider. “We are moving into knowledge economy and today’s youngsters clearly understand that knowledge prowess is the game changer for their career,” Balasubramaniam said. Link
ITU (International Telecommunication Union) – Secretary-General Hamadoun I. Touré said “It is very encouraging to see such informed and energetic contributions to our main policy-making conference processes. Young people are not just the future of this sector, they are a current force of creators, entrepreneurs and consumers and we stand to benefit the more we can integrate their voices and insights into policies that will guide our sector towards the future knowledge economy.” Link
Pittsburgh – That city’s renewal also illustrates how the prosperity of a competitive region is coupled with the education of its residents and the preparation of its workforce. Bringing skilled individuals to work and live in proximity facilitates global reach and scale for the local economy. In a knowledge economy, competition is ubiquitous. Education leads to growth but a region growing in prosperity must compete to attract educated workers from elsewhere. Link [post by Ishwar Puri, Dean of Engineering at McMaster University]