The second day of the 10th Conference on the Arab Impact Factor, hosted by King Khalid University, continued at the Exhibition and Conference Center in Al-Fara'a. Under the theme "Scientific Publishing and the Knowledge Economy," the day featured specialized panel discussions and rich scientific papers. The sessions addressed new dimensions related to pharmaceutical innovation, intellectual property, sustainable financing, and research partnerships, in addition to the economic impact of scientific publishing and its role in supporting digital health. A distinguished group of academics and experts from various Arab universities participated in the event.
The day's proceedings began with a scientific paper presented by Prof. Moawad El-Khouly, President of New Mansoura University, titled "The Innovation Pathway: From Idea to Market." He emphasized that innovation has become a necessity for sustainable development, not a luxury. He explained that the greatest challenge lies in the gap between research and market needs, highlighting the importance of building integrated pathways that progress from an idea to a product, with support, funding, and incubators along the way.
Dr. Meraj Houari from Ghardaïa University presented a research paper explaining that professors see research as a driver for development, but obstacles include a lack of forums and weak institutional cooperation. He noted that PhD holders are more positive and called for the establishment of effective research centers and linking universities with community and industrial institutions.
This was followed by a panel discussion titled "Accelerators and Incubators: A Bridge to the Market," moderated by Prof. Mohamed Ali Asiri from King Khalid University. Participants included Prof. Moawad El-Khouly, Prof. Ibrahim Sayed Hussein from King Khalid University, and Dr. Meraj Houari from Ghardaïa University. The discussion focused on the importance of incubators and accelerators in transforming research ideas into marketable products and enhancing integration between universities and the industrial sector.
In the field of intellectual property, Dr. Khaled Areej from King Khalid University presented a paper titled "Intellectual Property Policies and Knowledge Asset Valuation." He highlighted the challenges of data management and integration with health systems, while also noting the significant opportunities provided by AI technologies, cloud computing, and research alliances. He stressed that smart health has become a key component in building a knowledge economy.
Dr. Yahya Al-Qahtani from King Khalid University discussed "Intellectual Property and Scientific Licensing," highlighting its role in converting scientific research into direct economic value through financial returns, quality improvement, and strengthening university-industry collaboration. He pointed out the challenges related to legal frameworks and envisioned a future that relies on Arab platforms supported by blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies.
A subsequent panel discussion titled "Building Effective Technology Transfer Offices in the Arab Region" was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Qahtani from King Khalid University. The discussion featured His Excellency Prof. Essam Khamis, former Egyptian Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Areej Al-Asiri, and Dr. Khaled Areej from King Khalid University. The talks focused on activating the role of Arab technology transfer offices and linking them to innovation and industry.
In the same vein, Prof. Ibrahim Al-Sayed from King Khalid University addressed "University-Industry Partnerships," confirming that marketing research and converting it into products and services requires genuine partnerships between universities and the private sector. He presented successful models, such as SABIC and the National Bank of Egypt, showing that cooperation can take multiple forms, including licensing, incubation, and research partnerships.
Dr. Abdul Latif Mohsina from King Khalid University presented a scientific paper on pharmaceutical innovation as a fundamental pillar of Arab health and economic security. He pointed to challenges such as reliance on imports and high costs, contrasted with significant opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, clinical trials, and alliances that align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He asserted that pharmaceuticals represent an indispensable strategic national investment.
A panel discussion titled "The Knowledge Economy as a Unified Regional Market" was then held, moderated by Dr. Khaled Areej from King Khalid University, with the participation of Prof. Mahmoud Abdulati, President of the Arab Impact Factor, Prof. Ibrahim Sayed Hussein, and Dr. Abdul Latif Mohsina from King Khalid University. The session explored prospects for Arab integration in building a globally competitive knowledge-based economy.
In the area of funding, Dr. Mohamed Asiri from King Khalid University emphasized that the sustainability of research and innovation cannot be achieved without diversifying funding sources, noting that reliance solely on government support is no longer sufficient. He proposed various solutions, including university endowments, partnerships with the private sector, and venture capital, considering funding diversification as the guarantor of sustainable innovation.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Sheikh from King Khalid University discussed "The Economic Impact of Scientific Publishing." He noted that scientific publishing is an economic driver influenced by factors such as funding, infrastructure, and research policies, and is not merely the production of knowledge. He proposed solutions based on clear governance policies, diversified funding, and cross-border partnerships, culminating in a recommendation to establish a unified Arab innovation zone.
The second day's events concluded with a panel discussion titled "Alliances and Joint Funding: From Initiative to Activation," moderated by Prof. Muteb Al-Ghamdi from King Khalid University. The discussion included Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Abdel Hakim from Helwan University, Prof. Mohamed Ali Asiri, and Dr. Ahmed Al-Sheikh from King Khalid University. The session discussed the importance of Arab alliances and their joint funding in empowering the research and innovation ecosystem.