Interview: Munir Eldesouki
In what ways can the RDIA address the scientific and technological challenges facing Saudi Arabia?
MUNIR ELDESOUKI: Saudi Arabia’s growing global prominence in science, technology, and innovation is evident as it ascended 15 spots in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s 2022 Global Innovation Index, with credit to its robust digital infrastructure, among other factors.
The Kingdom’s scientific output places it at the forefront of the Arab world. The RDIA aims to tackle a broad spectrum of challenges, ranging from diversifying the economy and addressing water scarcity, to achieving food security and improving public health. By facing these challenges head-on, Saudi Arabia can not only ensure its own future well-being, but also contribute to global advancements in these areas.
How is Saudi Arabia leveraging science and technology to catalyse sustainable growth?
ELDESOUKI: The Covid-19 pandemic was a profound reminder of the power of scientific innovation in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Within the Kingdom, the pandemic sparked a strong commitment to embracing innovation as the cornerstone of sustainable socio-economic advancement. Saudi Arabia’s national priorities in research, development and innovation (RDI) announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud encompass health and wellness, a sustainable environment and essential needs, energy and industrial leadership, and economies of the future.
A crucial step in this journey involves the pledge to increase RDI investment to the equivalent of 2.5% of GDP by 2040. In order to realise this vision, the RDIA is providing the necessary funding, while also orchestrating efforts among stakeholders from academia, industry and the government to pursue multidisciplinary goals. By attracting foreign investment as well, the RDIA can not only boost innovation, but also lay the groundwork for robust and dynamic RDI ecosystems.
What is being done to increase engagement with the global science and innovation ecosystem?
ELDESOUKI: The Kingdom is close to introducing a national RDI strategy that will outline how it aims to achieve its aspirations in these areas. To ensure the strategy’s success, it is crucial to integrate the local innovation ecosystem into the global community by dismantling bureaucratic barriers, supporting startups, nurturing local talent and attracting expertise.
Saudi Arabia is actively enhancing its international presence by taking part in relevant organisations, such as its position on the governing board of the Global Research Council. The Kingdom has forged an alliance with the World Economic Forum to establish the Centre of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Riyadh, and Saudi students are participating in international scientific and technological competitions every year.
To what extent can business alliances and government-to-government partnerships drive knowledge transfer and technology adoption?
ELDESOUKI: To accelerate Saudi Arabia’s shift towards an innovation-driven economy, our strategy involves nurturing local R&D capacities, gaining expertise via venture capital, incubators, or direct acquisitions of innovative companies, and forging effective partnerships. For example, at the LEAP 2022 conference in Riyadh, The Garage, a tech incubator and accelerator, was introduced through a collaborative endeavour involving KACST, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones. As of August 2023 three accelerator programmes had fuelled the growth of more than 50 start-ups. Their collected achievements have led to a surge in profit by SR32m ($8.5m), and a rise in valuation by SR111m ($29.6m). We aim for more collaboration and partnerships on execution and knowledge transfer with local and international companies, as well as foreign governments.
