ATIC Announces Semiconductor Research And Development Strategy For Abu Dhabi

In a move that will bring together some of the brightest local and international talent in technology research and development in Abu Dhabi, the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) - in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) - announced its semiconductor research and development strategy for the Emirate.

The strategic framework will consist of central industrial research facilities and distributed centres of excellence hosted in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s leading higher education institutions. The development is a key component of ATIC’s business, which aims to deliver long term economic benefits to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including a direct impact on GDP diversification.

The strategy has been developed following extensive bench marking of the benefits of R’&’D communities on other knowledge-centric economies including Singapore, Taiwan, Ireland and South Korea. In alignment with the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s Higher Education Strategy, the focus on R’&’D will strengthen the quality of local academic organizations through targeted research and create a sustainable base for long-term growth of quality human capital within Abu Dhabi and, over time, in commercial spin-offs.

The development of an "R’&’D ecosystem" will be guided in part by a Research and Development Advisory Board which, in addition to informing and developing the strategy roll out, will coordinate activities and infrastructure across Abu Dhabi’s semiconductor stakeholders. They will determine high impact areas of technology development to pursue and the ecosystem’s core capabilities.

The Board will be comprised of key semiconductor companies including GLOBALFOUNDRIES; government entities including ADEC and the Technology Development Committee; and local academic institutions including Khalifa University for Science and Technology, UAE University, Masdar Institute for Science and Technology, New York University Abu Dhabi and American University of Sharjah.

Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al-Khaili, Director General of ADEC, said "Establishing a research ecosystem to drive an innovation-based economy is at the heart of ADEC’s Higher Education Strategy. The research and development framework is an important component in raising the quality of Abu Dhabi’s higher education institutions to international standards. We look forward to working together with our ATIC partners and the R and D Advisory Board in the delivery of this important project." "Strong research and development is the life blood of the advanced technology industry," said Ibrahim Ajami, CEO of ATIC. "At ATIC we are committed to delivering on our mandate to make strategic investments in areas that will impact the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy. This research and development strategy will contribute to the establishment of a vibrant knowledge and innovation economy."

Rafic Makki, Executive Director of the Office of Planning and Strategic Affairs at Abu Dhabi Education Council, said: "Abu Dhabi’s success as a knowledge economy will rely on how well we build our talent base and attract world-class research and development. A thriving advanced technology ecosystem is an essential part of our building that economy." Sami Issa, ATIC’s Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Ecosystem Development agreed, saying "Not only will the R and D Center be essential to semiconductors and advanced technology, but it will also drive innovation among other key pillars of the 2030 vision. One day we hope that our technological devices will have components that have been developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi. We have a long journey ahead of us but the launch of the R and D Centre is an important component in making it a reality here in Abu Dhabi." The strategy will also serve to support the long-term success of ATIC’s existing investment in GLOBALFOUNDRIES. A shared R and D environment will aid in retaining existing customers while serving new customers and targeting its research on relevant areas in the industry.

Over time, the development of the research and development field in Abu Dhabi will also provide quality career opportunities for the developing the local talent pool, putting Emiratis at the forefront of modern technology.
 

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