Future Trends, Technology Investments And Foresight-Based Action Plans Discussed At Government Foresight Summit
The inaugural edition of the three-day Government Foresight Summit was officially opened today, welcoming futurists, digital transformation specialists and foresight strategists sharing best practices to ensure future organisational readiness.
The summit, developed to support HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s “UAE Strategy for the Future, a comprehensive roadmap that will take the nation to the next era of development”, will run until 25 September at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.
Hosting a number of high-level officials discussing the best practices to ensure future organisational readiness, the first day of the Government Foresight Summit welcomed officials from Dubai Police, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Department of Health.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East with the UAE Ministry of Education as Supporting Partner, the Summit hosted panel discussions and presentations by spokespeople from regional and international organisations such as the FFWD Strategic Foresight and Futures Anticipation, UAE University and the Department of Health.
The message delivered by Suleiman Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer, Foresight Foundation – Abu Dhabi, UAE during his keynote presentation was how organisations can move towards a culture of preparedness.
“The inception of the UAE saw the establishment of foresight planning and forward thinking, strategies which ensure future readiness,” said Al Kaabi. “Government entities must draw up scenarios that embody what organisations should be prepared for, and in turn develop appropriate plans and frameworks to deal with future challenges and opportunities.”
“The UAE Centennial 2071, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has set a clear vision for the future. The Government Foresight Summit is an ideal opportunity in line with this vision. The platform enables us to share visions and aspirations and work collectively to identify key steps and pillars that enhance the readiness of UAE institutions for the future.”
A panel discussion on ‘Strategic Foresight and its Tools: Bringing Foresight Planning to Life’ brought together experts from the EU Institute for Security Studies, independent foresight advisory company proGective, Dubai Airport Freezone and innovator of industry solutions Systematic Innovation.
Jabir Walji, Strategy Artist, Systematic Innovation, stressed the importance of ICT and disruptive technologies on future jobs and skills: “Technologies can be broken down into two components: technical and non-technical. The technical pillar involves ICT, blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Non-technical consists of innovative business models and intangible new knowledge leading to advanced logic.
“One needs to identify these technical and non-technical elements and interpret their use for the benefit of society. We can support the development of skills for future jobs by implementing the teaching and learning of these new technologies.”
Hassan Mohamed Fayed, Specialist Innovation and Future at Dubai Airport Freezone, stressed the importance of information management: “Before we start talking about Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, we need to ask ourselves: what data do we possess?”
“In my opinion, the top priority today is data governance and information architecture; building this infrastructure will strengthen organisations to become increasingly wiser in predicting the future and making decisions accordingly.”
Running alongside the three-day agenda are the foresight labs led by industry experts. This afternoon’s session was run by Dr. Peter Bishop, Professor Emeritus & Exec Director at the University of Houston, with a keen focus on future-proofing education systems.
For more information, visit: www.governmentforesight.com/
