One of the best motivators in helping us keep true to our commitment to excellence and development is the catchphrase ‘Look towards the future.’

This has been the running mantra of the UAE’s founding fathers as they all looked towards the future and envisioned a unified country — working hand in hand — in order to overcome all challenges and be one of the greatest nations on earth.

Today, the country’s leadership have taken it upon themselves to carry on the commitment of preparing the present generation for a future that seeks to improve on everything — ensuring economic growth, sustainability, development and serving as a model country for all other nations to follow.

In 2014, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched a National Innovation Strategy, which aims to making the UAE one of the most innovative nations in the world over the succeeding seven years.

His vision aims to utilise innovation as a key driver to excellence across seven important sectors — renewable energy, transport, education, health, technology, water and space.

The first phase of this vision, which covers the first three years of the seven-year plan, includes the creation and implementation of 30 national initiatives like the drafting of new legislation, establishment of innovative incubators, investment across specialised skills, offer incentives to the private sector, forging of international research partnerships and the launch of a campaign that looks towards encouraging more innovation within government entities.

The National Strategy for Innovation is set to be achieved through a four-pronged approach that is guaranteed to meet its goals in the seven years.

The first approach looks to establish a stimulating environment for innovation in the form of supportive institutions and laws. The second approach aims to encourage government innovation through the institutionalisation of innovative practices and backed by an integrated system of modern and advanced tools.

The third approach urges the private sector to utilise innovation and help in the creation of innovative and scientific research centres, adopt new technologies and develop creative products and services.

The fourth — and last — approach is focused on the provision of training and education for individuals with highly innovative skills — concentrating on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including the creation of educational material for schools and universities.

Our vision at STF fully complements the aims set forth in the National Strategy for Innovation as both set the course of a future that ensures the sustainability of the UAE. In fact, one of the core focal points at STF is promoting innovation and the knowledge economy, followed by the facilitation of viable projects that support sustainable development, foster partnerships between civil society and the public and private sectors, and initiating public awareness and outreach programmes that advance volunteerism and corporate social responsibility.

Similar to the National Innovation Strategy, we also aim to establish strong partnerships with leading international and domestic houses of expertise, research centres, academic institutions and develop tomorrow’s leaders and managers.

We have laid out a four-point plan that seeks to support the move towards innovation, which in turn, can also help local initiatives, entrepreneurs and SMEs.

We promote an understanding of innovation and the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy and its impact on knowledge economy, raise awareness on global innovation trends and innovative companies, forge partnerships between academia and the private sector, and have been involved in helping to establish a ‘Knowledge Hub’ in Sharjah as a centre for research and development.

As the road map to innovation is well underway, we are well aware that the goals set cannot be done quickly or by one group alone. This vision entails the continued support and cooperation of everyone, including the STF.

However, it is best to remember that the National Innovation Strategy, once fully achieved, will be known as a collective effort from both the government, the private sector and individuals — all working closely together to make the UAE an innovative nation that the whole world can seek to emulate.

— The writer is Chairman of Sharjah Tatweer Forum.