Quality & Business Management Conference explores prospects of employing innovation in supporting knowledge-based economy

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has commenced preparations to launch Quality and Business Management Conference under the theme ‘Business Innovation: Imperative for Knowledge Economy.’ This will take place on the sidelines of the ‘Innovation Arabia 9 – Annual Congress 2016, which will be held with the theme ‘Accelerating Innovation Towards Sustainable Economy’ under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the University. To be held from March 7 to 9, 2016, the strategically important event strengthens Dubai’s efforts to lead the march in deploying, transferring, producing and localizing knowledge in the Arab countries and the world. Currently, all eyes are on ‘Quality and Business Management Conference’ as a world-class platform that will open up new horizons for decision makers, policy makers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and academics to explore individual, organizational and contextual powers to enhance the quality and stimulate innovation. The upcoming event is expected to contribute in determining the best ways to apply quality and innovative practices to strengthen the position of the Arab region on the international map. This will be done through a series of extended discussions that will focus on the most important issues, including ‘Excellence in Government Services,’ ‘Entrepreneurship,’ ‘Innovation and Quality,’ and ‘Islamic Banking and Finance’ and their direct and indirect effects on innovation and sustainable development, regionally and internationally. Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU, explained that the importance of ‘Quality and Business Management Conference’ comes from its focus on identifying effective strategies to enhance the quality concepts and stimulate innovation as a solid foundation to start the process of building a solid and integrated economy that is based on knowledge, excellence and innovation. Dr. Al Awar pointed out that the upcoming event represents an important addition to the tireless efforts that aim to enrich the knowledge and meet the urgent need for innovative and unique solutions. He further emphasized the need to invest widely in quality and innovation to enable governments and business community, enhance competitive advantages, accelerate the pace of economic growth, and achieve sustainable social development in the Arab World and the MENA region. “The UAE has realized early the importance of investing in innovation as the best way to build a knowledge-based, competitive economy and accomplish the ambitious aspirations to become one of the world’s most developed countries by 2021. Today, the nation is taking advanced steps on the path to leadership, backed by the insightful vision and right guidance of the wise leadership, which has laid a strong foundation to achieve ‘smart’ transformation and attain a leading global standing in terms of innovation, Islamic economics, and government excellence. In this event, which is scheduled on the sidelines of ‘Innovation Arabia 9,’ we seek to support this strategic direction by activating the channels of knowledge transfer and exchange expertise to showcase the best practices in innovation and quality to support the overall development and create a better future for generations to come,” concluded Dr. Al Awar. ‘Quality and Business Management Conference 2016’ consist of four main themes, including ‘Quality Management,’ ‘Business and Management,’ ‘Public Management & Government Service Excellence,’ and ‘Islamic Economics, Finance and Banking.’ The panel discussions and extensive seminars are expected to witness discussions on vital topics related to quality and business management, such as ‘Quality Management in e-Services,’ ‘Intelligent Quality Tools and Methods,’ ‘Investing in Human Resources,’ ‘Creativity ... the Heart & Soul of Innovation,’ ‘Green Marketing,’ ‘the Race for National Competitiveness,’ ‘Government as the Engine of Innovation,’ and ‘Innovation as a National Value.’ The event will also highlight the success stories of innovation in the public sector, as well as exchange the views on ‘Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice,’ ‘Risk Management in Islamic Financial Institutions,’ and ‘The Role of Governments and Central Banks in Promoting Islamic Banking and Finance Services,’ among others.