23august
King Abdul Aziz City of Science and Technology (KACST) issued the annual report for the first quinquennial plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (1427/1428H – 1431/1432H) that represents the first phase of “The National Comprehensive Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation” (1427/1428H – 1444/1445H) corresponding to (2007-2025) that sprang from (The National Plan for Science and Technology) which KACST and the Ministry of Planning and National Economy cooperated to produce and care for up till it gained the satisfaction and approval of the esteemed Council of Ministers.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel, KACST President, pointed out that by approving this plan the Kingdom took its place in the lead of developing countries that adopt a policy with objectives, planned targets, mechanisms and specified time phases to develop the national array of science, technology and innovation; adding that approving this plan substantiates the Kingdom’s determination to move from the natural resources-based- economy to a comprehensive economic revival motivated by creativity and innovation in which developing national talents and capabilities are invested within a well-planned strategic frame.
Dr. Al-Suwaiyel expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin AbdulAziz, HRH the Crown Prince and HRH the Second Deputy for adopting the plan and supporting it in all phases. He also expressed his deep thanks to the Ministry of Finance and his Excellency Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Ala'ssaf, Minister of Finance for the remarkable efforts in supporting the National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation and eliminating obstacles that encounter the process of carrying out the plan lauding the persistence of the ministry and his Excellency the minister in person in following up work steps and providing the necessary facilities.
KACST President elaborated that the plan accomplished great achievements and a qualitative move in supporting and developing the research, developing and innovating array on the level of kingdom and the area as whole in view of approving the support of 298 strategic research projects in universities and research centers in vital and strategic fields for the kingdom whose priorities have been specified according to the detailed strategic plans.
Dr. Al-Suwaiyel went on adding that these vital and strategic fields would have their important positive effects on development in the kingdom including technologies of Water, Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Nanotechnologies, Biotechnology, Information Technology, Electronics, communications, photonics, Space and Aeronautics Technology, Energy, Advanced materials, Environment in addition to Medical and Health researches.