AUS initiates plans for Research, Technology and Innovation Park

American University of Sharjah is planning to build a state-of-the-art Research, Technology and Innovation Park adjacent to the university.

A consultancy contract to develop the conceptual plan for the park was signed on November 2, 2014, with Fraunhofer, IPK, an internationally-renowned research institute with offices in Berlin, Germany. Fraunhofer will assist the university in developing a comprehensive conceptual and business plan for the development of the Research, Technology and Innovation Park.

The contract was signed by AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve and Holger Kohl, Director of Corporate Management at Fraunhofer.

This initiative accords with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS, in making the university a center for research and innovation.

"We have very high expectations of the outcome, and we hope to set an example for the region and the world on how to configure an intelligent research, technology and innovation park for the benefit of both the university and the local economy," said Dr. Kjerfve.

"The RTI Park will help develop AUS further into a research-intensive university. The park will bring very strong benefits to Sharjah and the Emirates. It is our great pleasure to support you to develop one of the best research parks in the world," said Kohl.