Under the theme: “Investing In Innovation – Building a Sustainable Knowledge-based economy”
Abu Dhabi, UAE: International Network for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (INSME) in partnership with Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is organizing the 10th INSME Annual Meeting and Forum. INSME provides SMEs with global knowledge sharing platform and stimulates public and private partnership in the field of Innovation and Technology Transfer. Khalifa Fund, on the other hand spearheads the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. Together, they bring the 10th INSME Annual Meeting and Forum under the theme: “Investing In Innovation – Building a Sustainable Knowledge-based economy”. It will be held from 18th – 20th March, 2014, at Yas Marina Circuit Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
The 10th INSME Anniversary is an excellent opportunity for all SMEs to meet international delegates, right partners and clients; to network and discuss best practice approaches and move innovation a step forward.
Khalifa Fund was chosen to organize the event by the International Network for Small & Medium Enterprises after a thoughtful selection process between different entities from around the world. Abu Dhabi was chosen to host the event as it displayed great investment potential and business-friendly environment.
H.E Ibrahim Ahmed Al Mansouri, Chief Operations Officer at Khalifa Fund, says: “We are pleased to be hosting this annual event as it will reinforce the position of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general on the global investment map and promote the Emirate as an environment that encourages innovation in entrepreneurship.”
Al Mansoori added: “Since 2007, Khalifa Fund has been consistently enriching entrepreneurship and innovation for a wide group of Emirates. It’s partnership with INSME furthers our aim to provide SMEs with outstanding training and networking opportunities in order to help them grow”.
The first two days of the event comprises roundtable discussions and an International conference led by high level speakers that include top representatives from Virgin United Mentors, Google, OECD, etc. There will also be an Exhibition of some of the most Innovative players and companies – that are supported by Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development – on 19th March, 2014. To provide a fitting end to the Meeting Agenda, a Gala dinner featuring local Emirati entertainment at the Luna Lounge, Yas Marina will be organized.
INSME Secretary General, Ms. Christin Pfeiffer, says: “INSME acts as a hub, multiplier and disseminator of knowledge, a facilitator for alliances, a promoter of networking and a catalyzer to encourage North-South and South-South international cooperation and political dialogue. The 10th INSME Annual Meeting and Forum is particularly proud of offering an outstanding international training session where INSME members will receive a special treatment with competitive rates”.
It is worth mentioning that the last day of the event will be dedicated to Training. Over 500 registered participants will get insights and key learning from some of the most outstanding business leaders across three modules. The modules will cover topics, namely, “Sustainability, Innovation and Design”, “Commercialzation of research” and “Tips and Tricks on Creative Communication”.
About Khalifa Fund:
In June 2007 the Khalifa Fund was created as an independent agency of the Government of Abu Dhabi, now with a capital of Two Billion Dirhams to satisfy the needs and requirements of entrepreneurs. The Fund provides a comprehensive program to expand their business activity, within the context of the efforts which the Fund exerts to provide an appropriate business enabling environment and to enhance the capabilities of potential entrepreneurs.
The Fund uses a modern assistance and support services system, including training, development, providing access to market intelligence and consultancy services in addition to developing various marketing initiatives.
The Fund also provides various financial solutions for promising enterprises that may serve the national economy in the form of programs such as (Khutwa, Bedaya, Zeyada and Tasneea) which are made available to all types of SMEs.
Khalifa fund also launched social-economic initiatives, such as Sougha which aims at preserving the Emirati heritage. Al Radda, the first program in the U.A.E which is for prison inmates. Ishraq for patients who are recovering from addiction which are inmates of the national center of rehabilitation.