Canon Launches Space360 As An Innovation And Knowledge Sharing Platform

Canon Middle East, a provider of imaging technologies and services, has announced the opening of Space360 within its Middle East headquarters in Dubai. Space360 is a fully functional, innovation-led space that connects minds and drives creativity within the organisation, and also aims to become a centre fostering collaboration between other like-minded entities.

The opening was attended by Ammar Al Malik, Executive Director for Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource City, and included a tour of the new space led by Anurag Agrawal, Managing Director, Canon Middle East, concluding with a networking session and games.

During tour, Anurag said: “Our priority when planning Space360 was to put our people first because they are the talent and minds that drive innovation; and to achieve this objective, the workplace has to reflect the needs of today’s working environment. Space360 is a one-of-a-kind initiative that is a basis for how the workspace is changing in the future. We are seeing a more collaborative, creative and open approach to doing business, and this is also reflected physically in our organisation which has a heritage built on pioneering innovations. We are already noticing a change in mindsets and a more optimistic and productive atmosphere in the office, and the positive, happy energy is contagious.”

Space360 is part of the Canon’s larger ‘Follow Your Happiness’ campaign which was launched last year and driven by three pillars: Future, Youth and Happiness, creating an interconnected Canon eco-system of employee engagement. Falling within the Future pillar, Space360 provides the physical space and tools for Canon’s employees to grow professionally within the organisation through learning opportunities, training, and other collaborative engagements. Divided into three areas, Innovation, Knowledge and Community, Space360 was inspired by today’s youth and transformations in the workplace that are taking place all over the world.

Initially, Canon embarked on a larger office renovation initiative last year based on extensive research, workplace space analysis and an employee survey, which resulted in Space360 becoming an integral part of the project.

“Agility and efficiency at work was one of the major points for us, and the renovation allowed us to initiate and shape new, up-to-date policies within Canon catering to today’s workplace. Space360 was specifically incorporated within the larger renovation project to offer opportunities beyond simply a new working environment. Space360 is an innovation incubator within Canon to support youth and their novel ways of doing business – which is also a direction many regional governments, such as the United Arab Emirates, is encouraging businesses to initiate as we move into a more diversified economic environment,” added Agrawal.