Global innovators highlight Innovations that matter at SABIC's STIM-10

SABIC was honoured to receive Professor Robert C. Armstrong, Deputy Director of Energy Initiative at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), at the HADEED camp on the evening of Sunday, November 11, to deliver the first keynote speech of the event. This was held under the title "Technology Trends on Feedstock, Including Shale Gas". During his speech, Professor Armstrong made a number of interesting observations as he went over global gas supply and costs as well as the driving factors in re-evaluating natural gas as a feedstock. He explained to the attendants how natural gas supplies appear to be globally abundant and at low cost for at least several decades to come. He also noted how the favourable economics of gas relative to oil suggest the re-examination of methane as a feedstock.

Another inspiring keynote speech was delivered by Professor Stefan Catsicas, who has been the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs in KAUST since January 2011. His speech, held under the theme "From Innovation to Market Relevance", analyzed today's reality on the triple challenge that modern science and technology faces to excel in education, research and industrial relevance. Professor Catsicas highlighted how in order to successful, universities and the global technology leaders of tomorrow must be able to understand and anticipate worldwide megatrends that are shaping our societies for the long term.

Other important and relevant speeches made during the event were: "Embracing the 21st Century - Technology and Innovation Management at Siemens", delivered by Dr. Norbert Lutke-Entrup, Head of Corporate Technology Management and Innovation at Siemens Group; "Innovation is not just Invention", delivered by Dr. Kurt Swogger, CEO of Designed Nanotubes LLC; and "Innovation as a Driving Force in Aerospace", delivered by Maurizio Cheli, a prominent astronaut; among others.

A technical program has also been underway as part of the STIM-10, as several paper presentations have been made throughout the days of the event. Overall, around 183 papers are presented as part of this program, including 7 operator and technician presentations. The topics fall under the following categories: 1) Plant Reliability Management, 2) Process Product & Technology, 3) Sustainability, Environment Protection, Safety & Health, 4) Electrical & Control Systems, 5) Quality Assurance and Analytical Technology, 6) Business Development, Management Quality Systems & IT.

The STIM events are held every two years, reflecting SABIC's interest in promoting a culture of innovation, as they provide a platform for professionals to highlight their innovative efforts, and share their success stories. It is also an opportunity for SABIC employees to interact and exchange information and skills to move forward towards creating an interrelated global culture of ingenuity.

Commenting on this year's focus, Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman & CEO, highlights "This year's particular aim is to establish the concept of innovation as a means to transform ideas into products, services, IT processes and profitable business operations. In other words, to create 'Innovations that matter' ".