• to raise awareness of innovation and entrepreneurship, and
• sharing and discuss on the best methods and applications of industrial incubators.

The workshop was attended by a large number of interested parties and stakeholders from the government and the private sectors, including the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Jubail Industrial Incubator (Sanad) and members of the Academic staff in universities.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Majed, Supervisor of Manufacturing Advanced Incubator, said: “The Advanced Manufacturing Incubator is one of the technical incubators that belongs to BADIR Program and specializes to establish small firms. The area of work includes the development, manufacture and use of advanced materials in all industrial sectors or products of innovative technology, or require advanced manufacturing methods. Such companies require special assistance until their commercial foundation is well established and they are poised for growth in the industrial market in the Kingdom. This will make the Kingdom less reliant on international companies for product supplies.”

The Incubator’s participation in this support of this initiative were in collaboration with several government sectors, private people and companies, and especially the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Dr. Al-Majed said: “The Advanced Manufacturing Incubator will face many difficulties and obstacles as a result of the complex nature of its work in the commercial and technical side, as well as the human factor. The incubated companies will face the same challenges. As everyone knows, the establishment of all kinds of business are influenced and determined by many success factors. When the business depends on advanced manufacturing techniques, the challenge becomes even more challenging and difficult to provide qualified national human resources for its implementation.”