Jeddah University launches its 2030 Innovation Strategy and a massive scientific harvest
In a strategic move aligned with ambitious national aspirations, Jeddah University its roadmap for research and innovation for the next five years (2026–2030). This strategy aims to create a qualitative shift by transforming scientific output from mere research papers published in scientific journals into tangible products and startups that contribute to economic development. The launch took place during the Research and Innovation Forum, which showcased a significant scientific achievement, including the registration of 14 patents and the publication of 10,000 scientific papers.
Context of national transformation in higher education
This scientific movement comes in response to the radical changes taking place in the higher education sector in Saudi Arabia since the launch of Vision 2030. Saudi universities are no longer limited to their traditional role of academic instruction, but have transformed into incubators of innovation and engines of the knowledge economy. Academic institutions today, including Jeddah University, are working to align their outputs with national priorities for research, development, and innovation, which focus on human health, environmental sustainability, leadership in energy and industry, and the future economy, thus enhancing the Kingdom's global competitiveness.
The university announced a radical change in its research direction, with the new strategy focusing on moving from the stage of scientific publishing to the stage of actual application and the development of products with economic value.
Figures reflecting scientific leadership
During the forum, the university showcased record-breaking figures reflecting its prolific output, having successfully supported over 2,000 diverse research projects, underscoring its commitment to providing a fertile environment for scientists and researchers. Official statistics revealed that university faculty and staff have published more than 10,000 scientific papers in leading international bibliographic databases, solidifying its presence on the global scientific stage. The university's efforts culminated in the registration of 14 patents in its name, a strong indicator of the quality of its research output and its ability to offer innovative solutions to existing challenges.
Expected economic and developmental impact
The shift towards establishing knowledge-based spin-off companies, adopted by Jeddah University, carries significant economic dimensions. Locally, this approach contributes to creating quality job opportunities for Saudi youth and diversifying income sources away from oil. Regionally, it enhances the position of Saudi universities as centers of expertise capable of exporting knowledge and technological solutions to neighboring countries. This link between academic laboratories and the needs of the industrial market is a cornerstone in building a sustainable, innovation-driven economy.
In the context of the new direction, Dr. Dina Hajjar, Dean of the Deanship of Research and Innovation, explained that the five-year strategy was specifically designed to motivate researchers to move beyond the theoretical aspect towards establishing knowledge-based startup companies.
A forward-looking vision and effective partnerships
Hajjar emphasized that the focus in the next phase will be entirely on outputs that can be transformed into products serving society and supporting the national economy, rather than merely being limited to academic publications. The forum served as a vital platform, bringing together a select group of academics and experts, where successful research experiences were shared and ways to enhance cooperation between the university and the industrial sector were explored to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the market.
The event included an innovation exhibition showcasing the university's most prominent scientific achievements, providing visitors and interested parties with an opportunity to closely examine the innovative capabilities of national talent. The university concluded its activities by inviting innovators and entrepreneurs to participate in this scientific movement, reaffirming its commitment to harnessing all its resources to build a future based on a knowledge economy.
