UAE universities should innovate for Expo 2020

They have a critical role to play in providing talent for the mega event

The UAE's renewed commitment towards developing a knowledge based economy, with a focus on promoting innovation, research and development, demands that universities, institutions of higher education and vocational training centers prepare and develop a highly skilled pool of talent. This talent can then seamlessly engage with a world in which rapid changes in technology, consumer behaviour and industry is redefining and developing new jobs and roles.
The agenda for universities, colleges and schools was, in fact, set way back in 2010 when the UAE Vision 2021 was released which emphasised on an entrepreneurial culture in educational institutions to cultivate talent that is responsible, creative, innovative and determined to succeed.
While educational institutions are still behind, the job market is changing for sure. Today, a journalist for a newspaper, for example, is not only expected to research, report and write a story but he or she should take pictures, make a video, upload on webpage, post a blog and use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn and others to promote the story. This means a journalist needs to have a variety of skills and competencies and a willingness to go beyond traditional roles to be a successful professional.
A quick analysis of jobs advertised in the media, communications, design and creative industries show a major shift in the knowledge, skills and competencies expected from potential employees. Multi-tasking, multi-skilling, technology intensive competencies, innovative mind set, life skills and most importantly an interdisciplinary approach is needed. A quick browse through the careers webpage of Expo 2020 demonstrates this change in the profile and description of jobs available today.
Meanwhile infrastructure development is in full swing, various projects are at different stages of completion. Jobs and contracts are being advertised and the core team is working round the clock to make this mega event a success.
But a significant area of our economy missing from the Expo buzz is higher education. The sector, comprising federal universities, institutions of higher education, and many private local, regional and international universities located in Dubai International Academic City, Sharjah University City and Abu Dhabi, is in slumber. While opportunities are knocking, these institutions are slow to realise the need to change their curricula, teaching practices and facilities to engage with a different tomorrow. At the end of the day, the success of a university is measured directly by the success of its graduates in securing employment, setting up businesses or engaging in research or further education.
The universities and other training institutions have a critical role to play in providing the talent as Expo 2020 will need employees, volunteers, freelancers in a range of areas. The UAE government is committed to making this Expo a transformative event which will reinvigorate the country through innovative and inspirational solutions to diversify its economy. The UAE is in a unique position to lead the region in building sustainable human and social capital by creating ways and means for developing a knowledge economy through facilitation of high-tech, trade, education, media and creative industries. The experiment of setting up free zones where knowledge-based industries are thriving, is an example of this successful approach.
Looking back, a knowledge economy is not new to the Arab world. Centuries before oil was discovered, this part of the world made great strides in art, science, engineering, astronomy, which led to an exponential growth in trade, travel and commerce. Baghdad, in fact, became the knowledge hub that provided patronage to artistic, intellectual and scientific inquiry at that time. The new focus on developing reasoning and creativity, a basic component of innovation, is an overarching theme of Vision 2021 which pledges to make the United Arab Emirates the economic and commercial hub of the region.
While this Vision is a roadmap, the Expo is a practical means to achieve the goal of developing an economy based on knowledge. Dubai expects 25 million people to visit the event, which according to Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Managing Director of World Expo 2020, will provide 277,000 new job opportunities. Are we ready for this massive potential for human capital? Maybe not.
Universities need to work with industry by setting up 'advisory committees' to seek advice from industry experts and professionals; develop new pedagogies that embrace experiential and student-centred learning. They must modify teaching practices by getting out of the class into the real world and adopt new educational technologies that enhance teaching and learning.
The 21st Century skillset requires proficient competencies in information, media and technology, a relentless quest for learning and innovation, a range of life and career skills and above all knowledge that is interdisciplinary and empowering. Expo 2020 provides a wonderful opportunity for universities and training institutes the region to modernise. This event should drive change and prepare professionals who can face the challenges of tomorrow.
The author is Program Leader, Journalism and Mass Communication at Amity University, Dubai