KHDA launches Innovation Unit; engages in Futures Studies to help prepare and plan for the future

The recommended actions of the Innovation Unit will be based on the findings of these studies conducted locally and internationally and will focus on knowledge acquisition and information dissemination among other things.

Speaking about the need for the unit, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA says, "Changes are inevitable in this fast moving, information packed world. If we are to stay ahead of the game, we must allocate a small and calculated portion of our current resources to cope with the future. While we are attending to the existing and immediate problems, the future is what we have to prepare for."

Commenting on the nature of the project Dr. Al Karam said, "It is very clear that no one wants the old education system and everyone wants the new system. But at KHDA we are interested in what's next. The Innovation Unit will do just that - be on the lookout for what's next."

While Innovation Units are well established in industrial and other sectors, KHDA's Innovation Unit will map the future of education based on the present economic, political and environmental reports. It will base its studies on the history of mankind and factor in how the past generations have evolved up until now. It will also take into account the technological and informational advantages we have at present.

The innovation unit will partner with international bodies who are engaged in Futures Studies. While some goals and outcomes are short term and more immediate, others will be more futuristic and long term in nature. All findings of the innovation unit will be published.