https://arab.news/gyk8f
RIYADH: Over 50 countries are represented in Saudi Arabia’s creative lab, ‘The Garage,’ highlighting the Kingdom’s role as a global innovation hub, according to a senior official.
Started in April 2022 in a parking building, the facility transformed into a dynamic workspace following its relocation to a 28,000-sq.-meter headquarters at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Riyadh.
It now hosts over 300 startups, featuring 24 conference rooms, meeting areas for 1,000 people, and training facilities.
It supports firms with programs for incubation, acceleration, and mentorship, fostering global collaboration and tech innovation.
This initiative was a focal point during the first day of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum 2024. In a panel discussion titled “Does Green Justify Industrial Policy and Protectionism?”, Munir Eldesouki, president of KACST, highlighted the significance of global collaboration in the Kingdom’s innovation strategy.
“Today, the companies in The Garage are 50 percent international, coming from over 50 countries around the world. Up to 400 companies fit in that Garage. But the point of The Garage is that it accesses all of our labs,” Eldesouki said, highlighting its role in connecting global research with local industry.
Eldesouki noted that the recent open-access policy for publicly funded research infrastructure has further strengthened this ecosystem, opening KACST’s labs to private sector and startup communities.
This commitment to fostering innovation is part of a broader restructuring under Vision 2030, including the formation of the Upper Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation. This council ensures coordinated efforts across various sectors, aiming to bridge scientific research with practical applications.
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, stressed the importance of execution and practical implementation in achieving sustainability goals. “The art of ‘how’ is an important element in achieving our targets,” he said, underscoring the need for meticulous planning and structured policies alongside visionary objectives.
Eldesouki echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of science and technology. “The ‘how’ comes from science and technology. They can bring forward many solutions and solve many challenges, especially in the existential challenges that we face today,” he said.
The Kingdom’s industrial transformation initiatives, such as the Liquid Displacement Program and the Future Factories Program, demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to greener practices. These programs, supported by government funding, help industries adopt advanced technologies and transition toward sustainability.
Alkhorayef highlighted additive manufacturing as one such technology, optimizing resource use and reducing environmental impact.
Both Alkhorayef and Eldesouki pointed to the transformative potential of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in driving economic diversification. “Today, with how technology is accelerating, especially with AI, we see great opportunities that will actually bring down the cost, increase potential, and provide opportunities for the private sector, specifically startups,” Eldesouki noted.
Beyond environmental targets, Saudi initiatives also aim for broader social and economic development. AlKhorayef cited the Waad Al-Shamal mining project as an example of how industrial policies can generate social benefits, particularly in underdeveloped regions.
“What we have done in Saudi Arabia, in the north of the country, in Waad Al-Shamal, in our phosphate investment today, has contributed to the society and the people,” he said.
Looking forward, Eldesouki expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s leadership in green technology. “The Kingdom has now become the biggest green tech innovation hub in the world,” he said.
Alkhorayef added that the country’s strategic geographic position enables it to connect global markets, enhancing collaboration.
Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive approach — blending innovation, strategic planning, and international collaboration — positions it as a model for sustainable industrial transformation. These efforts, as highlighted during the SGI Forum, offer valuable insights for the global green economy.