Last Updated on Friday, July 28, 2023 by HEET Website Team

Higher education institutions play a crucial role as catalysts for innovation and creativity. It is evident that true innovation arises when knowledge from research is applied in novel ways to yield new outcomes.

SUA recognizes its vital role in fostering innovation and aims to make a distinctive contribution in applying research knowledge to stimulate fresh ideas and creativity. As a STEM university, the success of SUA hinges on its ability to adopt a rigorous approach and strategic outlook towards innovation.

To transform the perception of the university from an ‘Ivory Tower’ to a hub of creativity and innovation, SUA is proposing the implementation of training workshops for its staff. These workshops will promote applied research and innovation, encouraging a paradigm shift in the way the institution approaches knowledge.

Presently, SUA operates under the umbrella of the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, Research, Technology Transfer and Consultancy (DPRTC), which introduced an Intellectual Property Policy in 2006 and established a Technology Transfer Office in 2007. However, the number of inventions and patents filed at SUA has seen a decline recently, primarily due to a lack of awareness about the benefits of intellectual property rights.

To address this, SUA has devised a comprehensive plan to revitalize its Technology Transfer Office and conduct awareness workshops for the academic community on the significance of research and innovation, emphasizing the protection of intellectual property arising from research. Regular training sessions will also be provided to SUA researchers to educate them on the procedures for safeguarding their inventions.

Furthermore, SUA plans to organize events showcasing successful IPs that have been developed and commercialized. Additionally, the university intends to conduct workshops that foster collaboration with stakeholders and industries, and perform innovation audits.

By actively promoting applied research and nurturing an innovation-driven mindset, SUA is poised to make substantial progress in its pursuit of creativity and excellence.