USAID conducts research and development commercialisation workshop

Attending the opening ceremony were USAID officials and HCST officials. Both workshops are held with the support of USAID Jordan and aim to enhance the capabilities of R&D institutes in Jordan by targeting the participation of Jordanian R&D researchers in universities, colleges of higher education and research centres.

The workshops come as part of an MOU signed between USAID and the HCST by way of encouraging Jordanian researchers to give patenting and R&D commercialization greater attention. It will also increase the chances of Jordanian researchers getting funding from international donor agencies.

As a driver of economic growth and in line with its goals, the training in R&D provided by the USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) will develop technologies and bring them to market addressing acute regional needs and global demand for green products.

In his opening remarks Dr Tweissi highlighted the developments Jordan has witnessed in the R&D field to a present stage where innovative solutions have become a necessity and an answer to pressing national and regional needs. Dr Tweissi thanked the USAID for their support and encouraged participants to engage themselves fully in the workshops.

Mr Stephen Gonyea, Director, Economic Growth Office of the USAID Jordan, said that globally USAID has been a keen partner to R&D activities, particularly in the field of EWE. He said that once R&D activities in the country gain momentum, the country will be able to export its solutions regionally and internationally, in turn enhancing economic development and growth.

Witnessing attendance from different research centers, academic institutions, firms, entrepreneurs and business service providers the workshops will increase linkage activities across the EWE innovation cluster.

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms.

By supporting improvements in the business environments and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth