Research and development energizes Qatar's pioneering spirit
Gulf Times
Research and development (R&D) is an important driver of economic growth as it spurs innovation, invention, and progress. R&D can lead to breakthroughs that can drive both profits and the well-being of citizens. Today, R&D dominates many industry sectors such as biotech & pharmaceuticals, but most importantly Information and Communications technology (ICT).
Among the Middle East countries, Qatar stands out for its focus on research and development. The GCC country has tapped its vast natural resources to direct significant investments into innovation in line with economic diversification objectives outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar is positioning itself as a leading hub for research and innovation by building several pioneering initiatives that are triggering transformative change across the nation, the region, and the world at large.
The Qatar Foundation is at the heart of this development, pioneering several initiatives that lay the foundation for a knowledge-based economy. The Foundation-founded research university, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, hosts three research institutes, among them the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI). QCRI is focused on tackling large-scale computing challenges that address national priorities for growth and development. It conducts cutting-edge research in Arabic language technologies, social computing, data analytics, and cyber security.
The Foundation has also set up Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar's premier hub for applied research, technology innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship. The free zone hosts various international corporations, SMEs, research institutions, and local tech startups.