Dubai: A new award was launched by Dubai Quality Group (DQG) on Wednesday to recognise UAE private sector organisations that have developed innovative practices.
The ‘UAE Innovation Award’ was announced as the latest addition to the many programmes launched by the non-profit group set up by the Department of Economic Development (DED) that are aimed at improving the competitiveness of private sector organisations, it was announced.
The first cycle of the award is inviting submissions from both DQG members and non-members from 15 different industries in the private sector, such as health and wellbeing, education and learning, technology and communication, transport, social and community development, retail and consumer goods, financial services, heritage, art and culture, sports and recreation, real estate and construction, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality and professional services, said Fatima Al Muhairi, Chairman of DQG.
“We are looking at recognising companies who have excelled in their commitment to innovation, their ability to spread innovation culture throughout the company and the structured innovation framework they have adopted and implemented, including their innovative strategies,” she said.
Companies will have to submit a comprehensive application starting from September 2017, which will be then evaluated by October 2017 by qualified independent assessors and jury members, she said.
“Assessors will evaluate applications against three main sets of criteria, innovation infrastructure, innovation enablers and innovation results. Companies have until then to prepare before submitting their applications.”
The participating companies will be then classified into five levels (one star to five-star), based on the level of their innovation maturity and scores attained.
“Companies that score high will be visited on site and further evaluated to see how they have implemented their innovative strategies. Winners will be then announced and honoured on November 17 at a special ceremony.”
Al Muhairi added that the award seeks to recognise and appreciate companies and also provide an incentive for others to develop a roadmap to improve their innovative practices by learning from what has been presented, which in return will help the UAE improve its competitive position in the global innovation index.
“The award is a platform for companies to show their innovative practices, compete and highlight the best they have done so far,” she added.
Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group and Honorary Patron of Dubai Quality Group, said: “The award is in harmony with other national initiatives within the framework of UAE Vision 2021 and national innovation strategy, aiming at promoting innovation and driving sustainable development in the country.”
He added that the award will support companies to strengthen their innovative capabilities and create sustainable value for their customers and the society at large.
Private sector companies have been urged to familiarise themselves with the award framework, criteria and participation terms and conditions, which will be posted on the award website to be launched soon.
