Dubai Economy and the American University in Dubai (AUD) have agreed to collaborate on offering specialised academic programmes in intellectual property (IP), innovation and entrepreneurship. A memorandum of understanding signed today between Their Excellences Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy, and Elias Bou Saab, Executive Vice President of the American University in Dubai, will see a Master’s programme in Intellectual Property and Innovation Management launched in Dubai as part of enhancing awareness on global best practices in IP protection and business competitiveness.

The MA in IP & IM programme, to be offered by AUD in co-operation with the Dubai Intellectual Property Training Centre of Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy, the educational arm of Dubai SME, is aligned with the UAE’s knowledge economy vision and Dubai’s emphasis on research & development (R&D) as a driver of economic growth and prosperity.

Commented HE Sami Al Qamzi: “A competitive environment where intellectual property is protected and creativity is nurtured will determine the success of Dubai in growing into a pivotal hub of the global economy as envisioned in the Dubai Plan 2021. Promoting innovation as a culture through curriculums and across business will also contribute to achieving the goals of the National Innovation Strategy and positioning Dubai as the most attractive hub for innovators worldwide.  We are pleased to have the American University in Dubai as a valuable partner in our efforts to protect investments in innovation and support the UAE Vision 2021 to be a competitive economy driven by knowledgeable and innovative Emiratis.”

Dubai SME, the agency of Dubai Economy mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, launched the Dubai Intellectual Property Training Centre in partnership with the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy and the IP Academy Singapore. The  Centre designs and delivers IP training programmes to protect SME innovations and support aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into sustainable business.

“Protecting ideas and innovations is integral to the growth and evolution of the exemplary entrepreneurial support system that Dubai SME has meticulously created. Tech innovations and increasing opportunities presented by strategic plans and events like the Expo 2020 for local SMEs to compete on an international stage calls for a more profound understanding of the concept of IP. The agreement with the American University in Dubai demonstrates our commitment to co-operate with government and private sector entities locally and abroad in imparting such critical knowledge,” said Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME.

As per the agreement with AUD, Dubai Economy, through its Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector, will provide the experiential aspects of the Master’s programme in order to ensure that it meets market requirements, and conforms fully to best practices in IP protection.

“Protecting intellectual property and innovation can have a profound impact on promoting Dubai as a hub for business growth and expansion. A competitive IP protection environment will enhance confidence among businesses and investors. We look forward to a competent cadre steering efforts to safeguard IP and innovation in Dubai and the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection sector is keen to share our knowledge and insights to enrich the academic programme,” said Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of CCCP.

Dr. Assaad Farah, Dean of the AUD School of Business Administration, said: “The MA in IP & IM is a unique and timely programme as it aims to graduate executives that are equipped in leading on IP protection and innovation in the private sector, as well as allowing government employees in supporting the government innovation strategy.  The programme also distinguishes itself by offering students a thesis component, where they will be required to conduct research on existing issues in IP and Innovation in Dubai and the UAE. This helps in producing highly valuable empirical knowledge in that specific ecosystem in the UAE.”

The MA in IP & IM can be completed in 18 and 24 months and students will work with top academics and government experts throughout the programme. The programme will go a long way in creating awareness about the significant value of intangible assets and the business value implicit in protecting innovation. Improved IP awareness will also strengthen Dubai’s flagship retail sector while also contributing to attracting investments into science and technologies of the future.