Latest news with #andInnovation
CNBC
9 hours ago
- Science
- CNBC
Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle
Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, PhD is a senior research scientist at Yale University's Center for Emotional Intelligence. She is a regular contributor to Psychology Today and Creativity Post, and co-editor of "The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity and Emotions" and "Crises, Creativity, and Innovation." She is the author of "The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action." She lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Euractiv
18 hours ago
- Business
- Euractiv
Paving the Way for Europe's competitive green future
The 'R&I for a competitive green transition' event in Brussels on 23-24 June highlighted why investing in green research and innovation is an essential driver of E urope's sustainable prosperity. The event was a satellite event of the EU Research and Innovation (R&I) Days 2025 of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. It brought together policymakers, researchers, investors, industry and civil society actors to explore how green transition-related R&I can drive a fair, sustainable, and competitive future for Europe. At the Euractiv policy dialogue of 23 June as well as the full-day conference on 24 June, speakers aligned on the enabling role of R&I in transforming a green necessity into a green opportunity. Clean and green technologies help reduce emissions and heal our planet, but they also boost our global leadership in new markets. Cleaner business models reduce our companies' environmental footprint, but they also create better jobs and they build stronger and more resilient supply chains. The closing remarks at the conference were delivered by Director-General Marc Lemaître, who reflected on the outcomes of the event and the role of R&I in providing tangible solutions for Europe's green transition and competitiveness. The text below is a lightly edited and shorter version of his closing remarks. The European Union's green transition is no longer an abstract concept. Across Europe, research and innovation are already delivering tangible results — from transforming food systems and restoring biodiversity, to building circular economies and advancing climate adaptation. These achievements reflect the collective efforts of scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs working for a more sustainable, competitive, and resilient Europe. Yet we find ourselves in a world increasingly defined by geopolitical instability, climate disruption, and economic uncertainty. Europe must double down, accelerate its transition and scale up investments in research and innovation. To do so effectively, we must ensure that the brightest minds and boldest ideas can thrive within Europe's borders. Three pillars — delivering real results, urgency for acceleration, and unlocking Europe's potential — must guide our work going forward. Research and innovation are already delivering Since the launch of the European Green Deal in 2019, the EU has placed R&I at the heart of its policy agenda. The climate contribution of Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research programme, will reach 35%, or more than €30 billion by 2027. Spending on biodiversity-related R&I has increased to 8.7% and will reach 10% by 2027. Over €3 million contributed to improving air quality. This funding is translating into real-world impact. R&I projects are actively piloting net-zero farming, restoring ecosystems, and developing real-time digital tools for climate adaptation. Full-scale demonstrators are showing how circular production can be applied to materials and textiles. In the bioeconomy, European startups are generating more sustainable alternatives to intensively-farmed food, and fossil fuel-based plastics, chemicals and fuels — helping build new industrial value chains, technologies and jobs. In water-related cleantech, Europe leads the world, accounting for approximately 40% of water-related technology patents. In addition to underpinning Europe's frontier businesses in water technologies and services, EU R&I funding helps find solutions that make our farms more resilient to drought, our energy, mining and agrifood business more water-smart, and our rivers, lakes and groundwater resources less impacted. These initiatives demonstrate that the green transition is already underway! Changing context, changing needs At the same time, the context in which we operate has changed dramatically. In the six years since the European Green Deal was announced, the EU has faced multiple overlapping crises — from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine to devastating floods and fires, conflicts, humanitarian and environmental crises that are shaking our world. Alarmingly, 2024 was the first on record to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures. This evolving context calls for a new level of ambition. To safeguard Europe's resilience and the well-being of EU citizens, we must become more competitive and resource-efficient, strengthen our supply chains, and reduce dependencies. Moreover, the EU has a political, moral and legal commitment to reach climate neutrality by 2050. To stay on track, the EU must accelerate the implementation of the European Green Deal and leverage new initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass. EU R&I Missions and Partnerships are already fostering collaboration across all levels of governance and helping engage citizens and industry in transformative change. Overall, however, progress remains partial. More ambition is needed to achieve our 2030 climate and environmental objectives. The message is clear: R&I works. R&I delivers. And it must be scaled up to meet the urgency of the moment. Creating the conditions for innovation to thrive Delivering a competitive green transition requires more than funding. It demands a thriving research and innovation ecosystem that attracts and retains talent, supports startups, and protects scientific freedom. To make Europe a destination of choice for researchers worldwide, structural improvements are necessary. Challenges such as limited job security, uncompetitive salaries, and mobility barriers must be addressed. The Choose Europe initiative is an important step in this direction. Through the ERA Act, we intend to improve working conditions for researchers and address administrative hurdles including visa processes. We will propose to enshrine scientific freedom in law. And provide €500 million in funding for the period 2025–2027 through the European Research Council, Horizon Europe, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. The EU must live up to its commitment to investing 3% of GDP in research and development. At the same time, we must create the right framework conditions to support the scale-up of green and clean technologies. While Europe leads globally in clean tech patents — accounting for 22% of the total — we must build on this advantage. In 2023, green tech was the only area where EU venture capital investment levels matched those of the US. To maintain this momentum, the recently announced EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy will help clean and green innovators grow faster and further by cutting red tape, improving access to financing, and facilitating market access across the Single Market. Conclusion Europe has the tools, the talent, and the technological edge to lead the global green transition. The progress we've seen so far shows what is possible when research and innovation are placed at the heart of our policy agenda. To fully deliver on this promise — and to ensure the benefits reach all corners of our society — we must scale up our efforts. Only by harnessing the full power of research and innovation can we deliver a competitive green transition and a better future for EU citizens. Let's continue working together to make it happen. Marc Lemaître is the Director-General at DG for Research and Innovation, European Commission.
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MoHERI launches ‘Inspirers of Change' initiative to promote positive institutional culture
Muscat – The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MoHERI) has launched a pioneering initiative titled 'Inspirers of Change', aimed at fostering a culture of motivation, positivity, and excellence within its institutional work environment. The initiative was inaugurated last week under the patronage of H E Professor Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. The launch aligns with the ministry's broader vision to modernise institutional culture, strengthen employee engagement, and enhance overall organisational performance. Designed to highlight individuals who serve as role models within the ministry, the initiative seeks to recognise employees who demonstrate a positive attitude, offer meaningful contributions, and actively drive change. By celebrating these efforts, 'Inspirers of Change' aims to inspire staff across all departments and levels to contribute to a more dynamic, inclusive, and transformative work environment. The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials and staff members. It featured inspiring presentations by employees who shared personal stories of overcoming challenges and contributing to a culture of resilience and productivity. Interactive sessions at the event focused on the human element of organisational change, underscoring how individual initiative, collaboration, and interpersonal engagement can significantly impact institutional success. On the occasion, the ministry also unveiled the official visual identity of its Change Management Team, which will oversee the implementation of the initiative and ensure its progress throughout the year as part of a comprehensive work plan. In its initial phase, the initiative will prioritise enhancing internal communication by sharing motivational messages and real-life success stories from within the ministry. Platforms such as WhatsApp will be used to help build a more connected and appreciative workplace culture, fostering a strong sense of belonging among employees. MoHERI confirmed that 'Inspirers of Change' marks a significant step forward in its efforts to create a supportive, innovative, and forward-thinking organisational environment. The initiative supports the Ministry's strategic objectives to invest in human capital and encourage staff to actively contribute to its mission and vision. It also aligns with the broader goals of Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing national efforts toward sustainable institutional transformation and excellence in public service.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
PKR veep Chang says not quitting, rubbishes allegations 11 PKR MPs withdraw support for PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Two Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs have denied allegations that they, along with nine others, have withdrawn their support for PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also serving as Prime Minister. PKR vice-president Chang Lih Kang, who is also Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, described the allegations as ridiculous. "Rafizi (Ramli) and Nik Nazmi's (Nik Ahmad) resignations from Cabinet are out of decorum and in the spirit of democracy. Others need not sully the waters. That's all," the Tanjung Malim MP said in a Facebook late Wednesday (May 28) night. Rumours have swirled as a result of a viral screenshot on WhatsApp and on the Facebook account of blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, popularly known as Papagomo, claiming that 11 PKR MPs - Rafizi (Pandan), Nik Nazmi (Setiawangsa), Chang (Tanjung Malim), Tan Kar Hing (Gopeng), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (Johor Baru), Wong Chen (Subang), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang), Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), Onn Abu Bakar (Batu Pahat) and Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (Port Dickson) - have withdrawn their support for Anwar and will hold a media conference on May 30 about the matter. Meanwhile, Tan condemned the allegations on Facebook, describing it as a malicious political slander. "I strongly deny the allegations made by Muhammad Azri in an FB post. My stand and idealism in the struggle have not changed even with the recent party election results," he said, adding that he had obtained advice from his lawyer and did not deny the possibility of taking legal action. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their resignation as ministers effective June 17 and July 4, respectively, following their losses in the recent PKR party election, where Rafizi lost his deputy president's post to Nurul Izzah Anwar and Nik Nazmi failed in securing a vice-president's post. - Bernama
Ya Biladi
27-05-2025
- Science
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan students win global innovation Grand Prize at Huawei ICT competition in China
A team of Moroccan students won the Grand Prize in the Innovation category at the Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 during the global finals held in Shenzhen, China, from May 19 to 25. Announced by Huawei Morocco in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, this achievement marks a historic first for Morocco in this prestigious competition, which annually brings together top global talents in information and communication technology (ICT). According to an official statement, the Moroccan team consisted of Ayman Amokrane, Maryeme Hassani, and Ibrahim Lamrabet, all students at the Faculty of Science and Technology in Errachidia, under Moulay Ismaïl University. Guided by Professor Yousef Farhaoui, the team developed NovaOr, a digital solution for intelligent hospital management. «Thanks to its decision support system, NovaOr reduces processing times, alleviates congestion in healthcare services, and streamlines resource allocation, thereby enhancing coordination and optimizing the patient experience», the statement explained. The journey of the laureates—from registration in September 2024 through national and regional selection stages—was highly praised by the international jury and experts. For Huawei Morocco and the ministry, this success underscores «the academic excellence of Moroccan universities» and reflects Huawei's commitment to «integrate digital technology into university curricula and stimulate innovation among young talents, in line with technological transformation and digital sovereignty». Both parties emphasized that this recognition, «achieved against teams from the world's leading universities, not only demonstrates the high level of preparation of Moroccan students but also their capacity to propose innovative solutions with significant added value».
