The Ministry of Transport and Communications, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Ooredoo announced today the launch of the Qatar Innovation Community (QIC).
The initiative, launched with 15 other stakeholders, aims to bolster innovation in Qatar. The announcement was made at QITCOM 2017, which is taking place at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, HE Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, HE Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, SC Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi, Assistant Undersecretary at Ministry of Transport Reem Al Mansoori, QSTP Chairman Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, Ooredoo CEO Waleed Al Sayed. There were also representatives from Qatar Chamber, Al Jazeera Network, Qatar Financial Center, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Museums, Qatar Tourism Authority, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, Qatar Airways, Aspire Academy, QNB, Qatar Rail, and others.
The initiative will prioritize home-grown innovations in different fields and will look to enhance the country's ability to compete, turning Qatar into a regional center for innovation. It will also help talented individual establishing new businesses among many other goals.
HE Minister of Transport Jassim bin Said Al Sulaiti said that innovation will be the yield of cooperation between all public and private institutions, insisting that no one department or authority alone can build the future of the country.
HE the Minister also highlighted that the visit of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to QITCOM 2017 as evidence of the state's support to the use of technology to develop the services of government institutions.
The initiative create solutions for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond. It will also address national priorities and look to enhance Qatar’s image and global competitiveness, by launching various innovation programmes and initiatives.
In turn, QSTP Managing Director Maher Hakim presented a briefing about QIC, noting that the initiative focuses mainly on enhancing home-grown innovation and creating the appropriate environment to support the culture of exploration, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region through effective cooperation with all relevant entities. 
The initiative has four strategic goals, namely: contribute to Qatar's socioeconomic development plans through the identification and commercialization of new businesses; enhancing the Qatari brand through innovative solutions in key sectors, including sport and event management industries; establishing effective enabling mechanisms to support innovation across Qatar; and establishing an effective stakeholder collaboration framework to enhance Qatar's innovation ecosystem. 
"Innovation has been at the heart of our work, from the moment Qatar decided to bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup," Al Thawadi said. "Our compact tournament plans, modular stadiums and ambitious legacy initiatives show that innovation is embedded within everything we do." "Launching Qatar Innovation Community is the next step for the SC and our stakeholders. It shows we are serious about laying a foundation for our country’s brightest minds to formulate ideas that will make a difference to Qatar, the region and the world. 
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Transport and Communication for its support, along with all our stakeholders. These are exciting times for Qatar and initiatives such as this are the facilitators for a bright future," added Al Thawadi. 
For her part, Al Mansoori said the formation of QIC will "support our vision of implementing smart technologies across the country and region," adding that "Qatar is committed to providing the very best innovation infrastructure for both public and private stakeholders, and the QIC will be the flag bearer for ensuring our country remains a hub for new ideas, invention and ground-breaking technology." Dr. Al Ibrahim said QIC goes "perfectly" in line with QSTP's vision to "become an international hub for scientific and technology innovation, tech-based entrepreneurship and high-tech businesses."
 Meanwhile, Al Sayed said Ooredoo has pioneered "cutting-edge innovation" since it was founded in 1987. "Our vision is to enrich our customers’ daily lives and help fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Through Qatar Innovation Community we will promote this philosophy to current and future innovators as we work with national stakeholders to deliver a bright future for the country, the region and the world." During 2017, QIC will aim to strengthen stakeholder links and align innovation capabilities. In addition, it will launch three key services in order to accelerate knowledge transfer, innovation discovery, collaboration opportunities, innovation-driven entrepreneurship opportunities and joint public-private innovation projects. It will also implement a continuous improvement strategy to ensure the body adapts to its stakeholders' needs and priorities.

Source: QNA