Doha: Qatar Chamber’s (QC) Industry Committee recently convened with the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) to explore the development of a mechanism aimed at linking factories with research and development centers and universities in Qatar.

According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting was led by QC Board Member Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al Ansari, with the presence of Strategic Planning Advisor at GOIC Abdul Kareem Al Rashid, as well as committee members and GOIC representatives. The focus was on a project spearheaded by GOIC in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, designed to create a linkage between factories and research and development entities in the country.

During the meeting, Al Ansari highlighted the significance of the project for Qatari factories in various key sectors. Despite Qatar’s advancements in scientific research, development, and innovation, he noted the absence of a defined mechanism to connect factories with research and development centers or universities. Al Ansari assured the Chamber’s readiness to work with GOIC and other relevant bodies to facilitate communication and identify challenges faced by Qatari factories. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s dedication to backing GOIC during the pilot phase of the proposed mechanism.

Al Ansari also commended GOIC’s efforts in organizing industrial sector-related conferences and training programs, as well as conducting research and studies to address industry challenges.

Abdul Kareem Al Rashid provided an overview of the project, describing it as a pivotal component of the National Strategy for Manufacturing Industries 2023-2030. He emphasized its goal of boosting the competitiveness and productivity of Qatar’s manufacturing sector, focusing on six priority industrial sectors: plastics, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, basic metals, and building materials. Al Rashid mentioned that the mechanism will be trialed in one factory within these sectors in collaboration with a research center to address a specific challenge.

Moreover, Al Rashid highlighted the anticipated outcome of establishing a sustainable cooperation mechanism between industry and research centers in Qatar. He also stressed the project’s aim to increase awareness among factories about the benefits of collaborating with research and development centers, thereby strengthening the innovation ecosystem that supports industrial growth in the nation.