Chamber Goes Nuclear
Unleashes Bahrain's first research weapon
A first-of-its-kind 'Business Lab' is being launched through a partnership between the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Award to turn academic research into real-world economic solutions.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between economic research and private-sector needs by testing the outcomes of studies in semi-practical settings before broader implementation. Officials say this marks a bold shift in Bahrain's business innovation landscape, where data and applied knowledge are increasingly becoming central to growth strategies.
Tapping research potential
Speaking at a meeting with the award's Board of Trustees, Chamber Chairman H.E. Sameer Abdullah Nass said the lab will help align scientific research with market realities and national priorities. H.E. noted the Kanoo family's long-standing role in supporting knowledge-based initiatives and praised the award for promoting research excellence in strategic sectors.
H.E. added that the Chamber has, over the past eight years, invested in building its internal research and analytical capabilities through a dedicated Studies and Initiatives Department and the launch of a Strategic Think Tank. These bodies aim to generate forward-thinking insights for the benefit of the private sector.
Lab-based approach
Among the proposed initiatives discussed was the establishment of a joint Business Lab to test research findings before they are scaled for national use. Also proposed was a new award sub-category focused on applied economic research offering practical, business-ready solutions. The meeting further discussed the idea of incentivising private-sector companies to fund or adopt relevant research outcomes by offering institutional recognition and media exposure as development partners.
Bridging business, academia
Other proposals included the formation of a joint coordination committee or digital platform to steer research toward Bahrain's top economic priorities. H.E. Nass emphasised the importance of integrating private-sector perspectives into research from the outset to ensure measurable and sustainable outcomes.
The meeting was attended by Second Vice Chairman Mohammed Abdul Jabbar Al Koohji, Vice Treasurer Waleed Kanoo, and Board Members Yusuf Salahuddin and Sawsan Abu Al-Hassan.
With Bahrain placing greater emphasis on innovation, data, and knowledge-based development, the Chamber's business lab proposal may set a precedent for public-private research collaboration across the region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Chamber Holds Meeting with Strategic Partners of 'Experience It' Programme
Manama The Bahrain Chamber, led by Chairman Sameer Nass, held a consultative meeting with strategic partners of this year's 'Experience It' programme. The meeting was attended by CEO of the Nasser Center for Science and Technology, Dr. Abdullah Al Noaimi, General Manager of Hope Ventures, Latifa Mohammed, and Director of Events and Programs at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Abdulkarim Al Meer. The meeting was held at the Chamber's headquarters to finalize preparations ahead of the program's launch next week. The discussion centered on the program's mission to equip Bahraini youth with practical experience and in-demand skills, preparing them for the labor market and supporting Bahrain's sustainable development efforts. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's national vision, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Chairman Nass expressed deep appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, for his continued support. He emphasized that His Highness's guidance has played a pivotal role in advancing the program as a model for youth empowerment through experiential learning and career readiness. The fourth edition of 'Experience It' will launch next week with an expanded scope, offering training across diverse fields such as stock market fundamentals, engineering and tech innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, leadership, entrepreneurship, photography, and video production. This expansion reflects the Chamber's commitment to equipping youth with modern, market-relevant skills and opening new career pathways. The program will be delivered in two phases. The first includes a series of expert-led workshops and theoretical sessions, while the second consists of a two-week internship at private sector organizations, allowing students to apply what they've learned in real-world settings. Nass reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to building on the program's success. He noted that over the past three editions, the initiative has empowered young Bahrainis to render their training into meaningful career steps, enhancing their competitiveness and role as contributors to national development. He also stressed the value of strong collaboration between the Chamber and its partners in delivering impactful national programs that elevate youth potential and drive economic progress. Nass commended the contributions of the partner institutions. The Nasser Center will provide specialized training in mechanical and electrical engineering, AI, and cybersecurity. Hope Ventures, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, will lead sessions on leadership and entrepreneurship under Youth City 2030. 'Experience It' is one of the Chamber's flagship youth initiatives, targeting high school students aged 15 to 18. By offering hands-on training in private sector companies, the program aims to spark creativity, foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, and guide participants toward career paths aligned with the needs of today's workforce.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Extends Global Anti-Trafficking Role
TDT | Manama Bahrain is stepping up its role as a regional source of expertise in combating human trafficking, with its national anti-trafficking committee confirming efforts to share the Kingdom's model with countries seeking to replicate its approach. The move was underlined during the committee's regular meeting this week, chaired by Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) CEO Nabras Talib, who also serves as head of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The session coincided with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, and reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to supporting global efforts to eradicate trafficking and promote awareness across communities. Talib said the day served as a timely moment to renew Bahrain's pledge and highlight its 'internationally respected' standing in the field. He added that Bahrain had made firm and consistent progress toward becoming a regional leader in anti-trafficking due to institutional collaboration and policy reforms aimed at improving labour conditions. During the meeting, committee members also reviewed Bahrain's latest initiatives to support a fair and sustainable labour market. These included stronger partnerships with private sector entities and diplomatic missions from labour-sending countries. Experience Sharing Bahrain's strategy now includes inviting other nations to study its mechanisms and learn from its policies. The meeting stressed the value of institutional partnerships and knowledge exchange to boost regional efforts. A key focus was also placed on a new study evaluating the effectiveness of Bahrain's oversight on procurement and supply chains, a rising global benchmark for ethical practices that prevent trafficking-related abuses. Ongoing Coordination Talib emphasised the importance of working closely with all stakeholders to uphold a labour market that protects employers and workers alike. He praised the role of diplomatic missions and employers in spreading awareness of national laws that safeguard labour rights. The committee vowed to continue refining its systems to adapt to labour market changes and challenges, ensuring Bahrain's continued leadership on the global anti-trafficking stage.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Youth Engine
TDT | Manama Public-private model to power national talent Bahrain is building a structured national framework to embed youth empowerment into the country's longterm development, Minister of Youth Affairs Her Excellency Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi said on Tuesday. She unveiled a new institutional approach that connects government bodies with private sector partners. Chairing a high-level meeting of the Youth Empowerment Committee at Youth City 2030, the minister said the National Youth Empowerment Strategy 2023 to 2028 is moving into its next phase. This phase prioritises sustainable, system-wide support for young Bahraini talent. She called for a coordinated, cross-sector pipeline to channel youth potential into innovation, entrepreneurship, and national productivity. This, the minister said, will be achieved by fostering joint initiatives and codifying partnerships that translate aspirations into structured outcomes. Structured Strategy 'The future we are preparing for must be built with youth as active partners today,' the minister noted. She highlighted the importance of designing programmes that reflect young people's evolving ambitions. Tawfiqi said sustainable results could only be achieved through institutional mechanisms that link ministries, businesses, training bodies, and civil society. This ensures young people are not just participants but decision-makers in shaping Bahrain's future. The meeting spotlighted the role of the Youth Empowerment Committee in coordinating such efforts and affirmed its commitment to opening development pathways across industries. Digital Tools, Real Results Officials reviewed standout outcomes from Youth City 2030 programmes, including success stories in skills training, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Emphasis was placed on extending these results nationwide through continuous collaboration with private companies and NGOs. The ministry also introduced its new digital platform that streamlines access to youth programmes. The site offers real-time registration, opportunity tracking, and customised guidance. This allows young Bahrainis to take charge of their development paths more easily than ever before. In her closing remarks, Tawfiqi underscored the ministry's goal and said it is focused on preparing a generation not just to succeed but to lead.
