Al Jaber calls for concerted efforts to speed up 4IR transition

Dubai - Experts said that it is critically important to align all efforts in adopting 4IR technologies, including the Internet of Things, real-time data analytics and robotics

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, on Monday called for concerted efforts to speed up UAE's transition into the fourth industrial era.
Stressing the importance of innovation, research, and the development and adoption of advanced technologies of the 4IR, the minister also called for the public-private partnership approach to boost UAE's industrial development and its
In his first meeting with the members of the Industrial Coordination Council (ICC), Al Jaber outlined the leadership's vision to advance the nation's industrial sector and the critical role the ICC will play in supporting the Ministry's mandate.
Al Jaber, who was joined in the virtual meeting by Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, made clear his commitment to working with the ICC and directly with the private sector, in particular, to increase the UAE's in-country value by nurturing the SME sector and creating sustainable jobs.
"We have a formidable opportunity ahead to realize the ambitions of our leadership, play a pivotal role in the future of our national economy and achieve the three national priorities set forth which include empowering national industrial development, ensuring in-country value and raising the competitiveness of our industries," Al Jaber said.
"A key enabler for success will be an active engagement with both the public and private sector to ensure regulatory and legislative frameworks are optimal, relevant and adapt to the realities of today and are flexible enough to provide the right platform for the change and growth our leadership envisages in the decades ahead," he said.
"We must leverage the fundamental building blocks that are already in place, including our world-class logistics infrastructure, unique energy assets and a leading position in technological innovation and AI education, to drive our economy into the fourth industrial age," said Al Jaber.
Minister Al Amiri said that it is critically important to align all efforts in adopting 4IR technologies, including the Internet of Things, real-time data analytics and robotics to enable and support current industries.
"Our objective must be to drive efficiencies, economies and evolutions in their production and fabrication processes, and to position the UAE as a driver of change and development for the industry. As part of those efforts, we will establish new industrial clusters that both utilize and develop advanced technologies - supporting home-grown enterprises and attracting investors and investment. As a Ministry, we will work with our partners in public and private sectors to concentrate research and development efforts and output on the technological needs of the industrial sector for the benefit of today's and tomorrow's economies," she said.
Al Amiri said her ministry aims to implement the vision of the leadership by enhancing the contribution of advanced technology to the sustainability of economic growth, raising the efficiency and competitiveness of the industrial sector and supporting strategic industries that contribute to advancing the national economy and increasing the gross domestic product.
For the first time, the ICC meeting also included key members from the UAE private sector, who engaged with the group on their views on how to enhance current regulatory and policy challenges in order to empower industrial sector growth and sustainability in the UAE.
issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com