On Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry in the Arab Gulf States: Views, Challenges, and Potential Rewards

The paper focuses on the current stance of industry-academia relationships in the Arab Gulf States( Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates), and argues that meaningful, long-lasting relations have begun to develop. But, there is much more that can and must be done. The paper calls for increased “relevancy” of engineering education with greater industry-academia collaboration on many fronts. It was inspired by a round table discussion, where engineering graduates of Region’s colleges have suggested ways to start developing viable and enduring connections between local industries and the academic institutions of the Arab Gulf States. Strategies to help promote the collaboration effort are outlined. In particular, activities (plans, and scenarios) perceived as effective in closing the gap between academia and industries are described. Training, capstone courses, consulting by faculty members, and joint research projects, aimed at serving the interest of both parties (academia & the industrial partners) are also addressed. The paper sheds light on: the mission, the nature, and relevant benchmarks of this collaborative effort. Modifying curricula and programs toward industrial relevance and the “practice”, regarded by many as a step in the right direction, will help equip graduates with the “tools of the trade”, thus lessening the burden on the industry in the locale, in having to spend time and effort preparing and training employees at the start of their career. If engineering faculty and program planners would slant curricula and programs more in the direction of “industrial relevance” and the “practice”, it would help a great deal in equipping engineering graduates with the “tools of the trade” , thus lessening the burden on the industries. In this endeavor, the author draws on his own experience as a faculty member in the Arab Gulf States; in addition to views and suggestions of: colleagues, students, graduates, and business leaders in the Region.