Renowned experts from Saudi Arabia and abroad will deliberate on issues relating to technology innovation, entrepreneurship and incubation at the second annual Saudi International Technology and Incubation Conference here on Oct. 11-12. The two-day conference at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), under the patronage of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, aims to raise awareness and understanding of technology innovation, entrepreneurship and incubation and share international experiences and best practices. The event will create networking environment for government, financial institutions, universities, research institutions, corporate business and chambers of commerce. The participants will focus on issues and successes to technology business growth. The Kingdom has embarked on an ambitious program to transform itself into an internationally competitive, knowledge-based economy by advancing science and technology, said an official source. KACST has taken a leadership role in developing the nation's innovation ecosystem and has been supporting stakeholders through a variety of technology innovation, entrepreneurship and incubation programs. At its first Technology Incubation Conference in 2009, the KACST had announced a consultation process to develop a National Policy for Technology Business Incubation in the Kingdom. This work has now been completed, said an official source. The policy – entitled “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Technology Business Incubation Policy” provides a strategic ‘road map' to develop the necessary people, processes and infrastructure. It focuses on ensuring a quality and world best practice incubator industry through certification, monitoring, performance improvement and capacity building. Some of the Kingdom's public institutions have launched incubation programs to spearhead technology incubation with a vision to lever international experience.
