Qatar University hosted yesterday the 11th International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Regional Development (ICEIRD) 2018, in co-operation with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and the British University of Sheffield’s branch in Greece. The 11th ICEIRD is taking place in the Middle East for the first time since its launch in 2007.
The conference, which includes more than 100 working papers, several sessions and six workshops, has four main themes: “Innovation for sustainable economic development, Mechanisms to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the region, Key initiatives and successful entrepreneurship experiences and the possibility of employing them in the region, and Strengthening the role of academic institutions in the field of entrepreneurship
 and innovation.
The conference, being attended by a large number of experts, entrepreneurs, academic institutions and international economic organisations, will explore through various sessions the society’s understanding of the importance of entrepreneurship, the role of creativity and innovation in achieving sustainable economic development and the promotion of regional economic integration. It will also study the concept of entrepreneurship and innovation to achieve regional development, by studying the reality in depth, and proposing diverse solutions, which may contribute to the strengthening of the economy of the region and the world.
Dr Omar al-Ansari, vice president for academic affairs at Qatar University, stressed that Qatar believes in the importance of building a strong and advanced economy without compromising the environment and the safety of the planet to achieve sustainable development in order to preserve the gains and the rights of future generations, pointing to the importance of economy becoming a key factor of the development of communities and individuals in a fair and sound manner, and reflected in the high level of welfare of the members of society, without adversely affecting the most vulnerable countries, communities and groups.
Al-Ansari explained that large and cross-border and continental companies may pose a real threat to countries with a weak or dilapidated economy, as well as to local businessmen and to small business owners.
He pointed out that the global economy in its traditional form has begun to change since the last decade, where many jobs have disappeared, and many businesses and professions are at risk. In contrast, new professions and jobs have emerged, mostly related to the technology sector and the tremendous development in communications, he said, posing a question about the willingness of States and societies to change, and the social impact of this change on millions of people, who are threatened with losing their jobs. (QNA)
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