AMMAN---------- October18,  2015---------- Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Foundation for Development (TAG Foundation) and the Supreme Council of Science and Technology signed  a Memorandum of Understanding aiming towards increasing awareness in regards to the importance of Scientific Research and Development.

The MoU signed at the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University headquarters aims for cooperation among both parties in order to help the talented and the innovators expand their ideas precluding the conversion of these ideas into productive and developmental projects; while marketing the outcomes of their work and researches through establishing ties between the innovative individuals and potential investors or businessmen.

Through the Memorandum, both sides seek to deliver joint research projects to international parties in different areas such as energy, water, nutrition, health, environment and so on. In addition to transfer technology to the Kingdom through benefitting from expertise and experience of developed countries and the services which both parties can deliver whenever possible. The preparation of domestic and foreign conferences related to the areas of science and technology will also take place.

During the signing ceremony, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh stressed on the significance of the availability of a concerned entity related to innovations and innovators since the core tool of wealth is knowledge; indicating that what we produce today constitutes the future of Jordan as there is no future without creativity.

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization further expressed its readiness for cooperation and service to the council in addition to its president: His Royal Highness Prince Al Hassan Bin Talal through all potential and expertise of the Organization affirming that everyone is present here to serve the country.

His Excellency moreover denoted the significance of the availability of one main entity to include all other concerned stakeholders entitled to innovation. The aim of this is to gather optimum effort in this field with focus on awareness about the importance of investment in innovation and innovators. It is vital to create the culture of innovation among youth, especially the digital innovation which owns the future in all fields. This can be done through allotting awards in digital innovation.

His Excellency also called for an annual exhibition for the innovators to display their innovations and market them through linking these innovators with investors to convert these creative ideas into real products since there is no current existing mechanism to link those two parties with each other.

His Excellency furthermore highlighted the significance of reissuing the report of competitiveness to reveal the current situation which encourages development, innovation and competitiveness indicating the availability of the Organization's expertise in the assistance in regards to reliance on international standards in reporting.

For his part, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Science and Technology Dr. Khaled Alshraideh affirmed the presence of a large intersection in work between the Council and the Organization, directing many thanks to His Excellency Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh on the mechanics of the proposed co-operation.

Dr. Alshraideh expressed that since science and innovation are always connected; the Council always tries through various programs, initiatives and projects to fulfill the supreme royal directions in improving the current situation and developing it in the fields of creativity, innovation and knowledge.

It was also pointed out that the National Council for Competitiveness and Innovation whose mission was to work in the long term and short term, are making decisions to improve the status of the sector in the short term. While on the long term, they develop strategies for creativity through institutionalizing the sector by establishing a national center for the development of creativity.

Dr. Alshraideh welcomed the proposals of HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, especially with regard to the announcement of the award along the lines of Prince Alhassan Award for Scientific Excellence, but more specialized in innovative knowledge while organizing an annual exhibition for innovators; stressing the importance of partnerships with the concerned bodies of stakeholders for the support and participation.

The two parties discussed ways to develop areas of cooperation through finding international partners to support the projects and plans that the two parties seek to implement in order to support and develop creative product innovations which will shape the future of Jordan.

Supreme Council of Science and Technology:

A public institution, financially and administratively independent, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal aiming at building a scientific base and national technology contributing to achieving economic, social and cultural goals in the Kingdom through initiating responsibilities and tasks that include placing policies and scientific, technological and innovative strategies while planning to achieve its goals to provide financial support for Research and Development activities. Furthermore, directing scientific activity and research within the national priorities consistent with the developmental trends is a duty. Ultimately, the establishment of appropriate research centers whenever the need arises and the representation of the Kingdom in the scientific and technological activities, Arab and regional and international levels is a responsibility.

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Foundation for Development:

Not-for-profit and developmental organization with a sustainable focus on social and economic development initiatives to contribute to building the capacity of individuals and upgrading of Arab communities while focusing on the significant role of education and capacity building, and in particular in the field of information and communication technology, in addition to supporting the creative capabilities of young people to reduce the social and economic problems.