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

Waddah Akili

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Conference: 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Publication Date: June 26, 2016
Start Date: June 26, 2016
End Date: June 29, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-692-68565-5
ISSN: 2153-5965
Conference Session: College Industry Partnerships Division Technical Session III: Collaboration
Tagged Division: College Industry Partnerships
Tagged Topic: Diversity
Page Count: 13
DOI: 10.18260/p.25822
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/25822
Download Count: 1608

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Paper Authors

biography

Waddah Akili Iowa State University

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Waddah Akili has been in the academic arena for over 40 years. He has held academic positions at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Penna (66-69), at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (69-87), and at the University of Qatar, Doha, Qatar (87-00). Professor Akili’s major field is geotechnical engineering and materials. His research work & experience include: characterization of arid and semi arid soils, piled foundations, pavement design & materials, and concrete durability. His interests also include: contemporary issues of engineering education in general, and those of the Middle East and the Arab Gulf States in particular.

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Abstract

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

Abstract

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 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. Slanting 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 authors draw on their own experience as: faculty members, administrators, and industry personnel in the Arab Gulf States; in addition to views and suggestions of: colleagues, students, graduates, and business leaders in the Region. The paper presents some differing views on the potential collaborative roles for academia and industry and their interrelationships. Our objective is to further motivate Region’s educators and their institutions to collaborate with local industry and move toward greater relevancy into engineering education.

Citation
Format

Akili, W. (2016, June), On Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry in the Arab Gulf States: Views, Challenges, and Potential Rewards Paper presented at 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana. 10.18260/p.25822

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


Abstract

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 and joint research projects, aimed at serving the interest of both parties (academia &amp; the industrial partners) are also addressed. 

The paper sheds light on: the mission, the nature, and relevant benchmarks of this collaborative effort. Slanting 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 authors draw on their own experience as: faculty members, administrators, and industry personnel in the Arab Gulf States; in addition to views and suggestions of: colleagues, students, graduates, and business leaders in the Region. The paper presents some differing views on the potential collaborative roles for academia and industry and their interrelationships. Our objective is to further motivate Region’s educators and their institutions to collaborate with local industry and move toward greater relevancy into engineering education. 



AU  - Waddah Akili
CY  - New Orleans, Louisiana
DA  - 2016/06/26
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - On Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry in the Arab Gulf States: Views, Challenges, and Potential Rewards  
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/25822
DO  - 10.18260/p.25822
ER  -