The Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Academic Chair for Technology Management, hosted by the College of Education, Technical and Administrative Sciences at Arabian Gulf University (AGU), welcomed Dr Vincent Ribiere, Associate Professor and Managing Director of the Institute for Knowledge and Innovation Southeast Asia (IKI-SEA) at Bangkok University. Dr Ribiere delivered a lecture titled "Practical Lessons from Global Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise (MIKE) Award Winners: Turning Knowledge into Innovation" showcasing leading global experiences in knowledge management and its transformation into effective innovation practices within organisations. This lecture is part of the Chair's ongoing activities, which have been hosted by the university since 1995.

During his presentation at the university's Innovation Lab, Dr Ribiere summarised global experiences and best practices in knowledge management and its transformation into impactful innovation. He presented successful strategies adopted by MIKE Award-winning organisations and the vital role of knowledge management in fostering innovation, institutional development, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting knowledge-based decision-making.

During the lecture, he stated, "There are best practices in digital transformation, sustainability, institutional innovation, entrepreneurship, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)." He added that artificial intelligence companies are promising and will change the structure and model of business.

Dr Afaf Bugawa, supervisor of the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Chair in Technology Management, stated that this lecture reflects AGU’s commitment to strengthening the innovation ecosystem, promoting a culture of knowledge management, and transferring global expertise to students, faculty members, and professionals interested in these fields.

It is noteworthy that the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Chair in Technology Management aims to promote a culture of innovation and support sustainable development across the Gulf by advancing research, generating knowledge, and developing technologies to address regional challenges. The Chair cultivates creativity among students and researchers, encourages initiatives within the university, and conducts high-quality research. It also strives to build strategic partnerships with industrial, governmental, and international institutions to develop innovative solutions that advance regional progress.

Additionally, the Chair supports technology transfer and entrepreneurship by incubating startups and facilitating collaboration with the industrial sector. It also contributes to policy development that promotes innovation and development, aiming to create a lasting impact that diversifies Gulf economies and boosts their global competitiveness.