1st meeting of Innovation Acceleration Centers hosted by TDRA

Abu Dhabi recently hosted the inaugural meeting of the global network of acceleration centers affiliated with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), organized by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). The goal of this meeting was to promote and cultivate a culture of innovation to aid in the development of governments and societies represented by these centers.

The establishment of this global network by the ITU follows the UAE’s initiative in 2020 to create the International Center of Digital Innovation (I-CoDI. This initiative, a collaboration between TDRA and the ITU, aims to create a platform that brings together partners and policymakers to enhance communication and accelerate digital transformation through innovative concepts and advanced technologies.

During the event, Eng. Majid Al Madhloum, Senior Manager of Digital Capabilities Building and Awareness Section at TDRA, highlighted the importance of innovation in the modern era, emphasizing its relevance not only in government operations but also in various aspects of life.

Al Madhloum pointed to the UAE’s experience in fostering innovation, noting the significant advancements made over the past two decades. He discussed the upcoming era of “future shaping,” set to begin in 2022 after the UAE’s golden jubilee celebration, which will focus on advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital technologies as outlined in the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

The event agenda included discussions on enhancing competencies in the era of major digital transformations, with sessions focusing on strategic foresight, competency building, planning, and utilizing digital tools and design. The importance of creative thinking and leveraging technology for qualitative advancements was also emphasized, highlighting the value of collaborative exchange of ideas between innovative minds.

Scheduled to span five days, the event will feature field activities, visits to TDRA and the Museum of the Future, and hands-on training workshops aimed at exploring innovation processes and fostering competency development in this dynamic field.