It’s not the premise that is surprising — creativity and innovative thinking are, indisputably, at the core of a student’s growth — but it’s the numbers taking the shine off the premise that are surprising. Eighty nine per cent of respondents from 11 Middle East and North Africa (Mena) countries said that education in the region is wanting in creativity. The study, commissioned by the Dubai Knowledge Village, surveyed 5,891 respondents and the results need to be urgently addressed in the context of the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy that is at the core of its Vision 2021. The truth is, it is no longer enough to impart information to students in the name of education using the same linear methodologies of the past ages. The demands of the post-technology era call for a dynamic shift to newer strategies where every young mind, whether in school or at university, is provided an environment where expanding one’s spirit of enquiry and redefining the boundaries of human intellect is a given. This approach alone will seed the soil of UAE’s future. And this calls for greater funding of educational institutions.
The UAE’s decision to allocate Dh14 billion to boosting education’s profile is a good first step. Currently, its spend on education is less than 1 per cent of its GDP. Experts and policy makers are suggesting an increase of 2-5 per cent with the private sector picking up its share of the responsibility. These initiatives, together, will ensure that innovation finds its muse.
