Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Andrew Jackson and Hussain Al Mahmoudi during a panel discussion after launch of the report on Monday. Kamal Kassim / Gulf Today

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) launched Sharjah’s Innovation Economy Report on Monday.

Based on a series of events and joint efforts between Sharjah stakeholders and the British Government represented by “Future Cities Catapult”, this report highlights the next steps to be taken by SRTI Park to support the Emirate of Sharjah’s journey towards establishing a knowledge economy and becoming the R&D and innovation hub of the region.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said, “We are on the threshold of the fourth industrial revolution and it has its benefits and requirements. We must be ready for this change and establish Sharjah as the innovation location and a world-class research and testing centre.” This report puts the SRTI Park on the path to future cities as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation with its international partners and to knowledge transfer with them to enhance Sharjah’s status as a capital for scientific research, technology, innovation and knowledge.

Through this report, SRTI Park joins the global standards system for innovative cities. One of the main focuses is to support scientific research through SRTI Park and it to be a hub for international research companies, researchers, students, faculty and graduates of the AUS.

Through its relation with the most prestigious universities and international institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial College, SRTI Park will create a world class innovative research environment, focusing on: water technology, renewable energy, environment technology, transportation technology, information technology, industrial design and architecture.

The audience was also briefed on SRTI Park’s mission and current projects taking place within the park. Some of these projects consist of building hydroponic farming lab using solar-evaporated sea water coming directly from the Sharjah coast, pre-fab housing constructed from recycled plastic, and construction of an elevated train pilot track and construction of buildings with 3D printing techniques.

The park has easy access to vital and logistical facilities in the emirate and in the UAE, and the infrastructure meets the requirements of international standards.

Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, stressed upon Sharjah’s potential to become a world leader in innovation, research and entrepreneurship, and shared the Emirate’s vision to enhance its position to become one of the smartest cities in the world.

He noted the strong strategic relations between Sharjah and the UK and how they can develop the economic and investment relations in innovation and knowledge economy.

Andrew Jackson, British Consul General in Dubai, spoke on how to enhance cooperation around innovation and smart cities between the British government and Sharjah. Also, to promote the Emirate as a regional capital for innovation, research and development in the Middle East and to strengthen its position in this field and how British companies can contribute by investing and starting businesses in Sharjah.

SRTI Park has successfully hosted several events with “Future Cities Catapult” including UK-Sharjah Innovation Forum at the House of Lords in London, which aimed to promote Sharjah as a regional hub for innovation, research and development in the Middle East.

In addition to a workshop “The Future of Innovation and the Launch of the Smart Cities Project” held earlier this year, attended by a large number of experts and elite academics and researchers.

The panel session was followed up by SRTI Park’s partners discussing their projects.

CAFU introduced its services and smart solutions to Sharjah. They provide on-demand car refueling, petrol filling, petrol pump, gasoline refilling and more in the UAE.

Merlin Digital’s Sustainable Technologies Research Site is one of the few significant projects happening at the park. It focuses on identifying and developing innovative ways for a sustainable future by focusing on the main issues such as food, water and housing.

SkyWay is constructing an elevated train pilot track. Meet, a specialist in the development and construction of modern, low-cost, fastest and most sustainable buildings, will develop a 3D printed house in the park.

Suresh Kumar of Design Infinity talked about the design and interior design of the company’s existing projects including SRTI Park’s headquarter. The company is working to provide sustainable and innovative solutions for green buildings, making it one of the leading companies in the region in this field.