SDG9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. This goal is critical for ensuring sustainable development, particularly in countries facing economic and political challenges. Lebanon, a nation that has endured years of instability, is working towards achieving SDG 9, despite significant hurdles. In this report, we examine the progress made by the Lebanese government in addressing SDG 9 and explore the role of Beirut Arab University (BAU) in supporting this goal through academic initiatives and innovation.

SDG 9 in Lebanon

1. Challenges to Infrastructure Development

Lebanon faces a variety of challenges in its pursuit of sustainable infrastructure development. The country’s infrastructure has been heavily impacted by years of political instability, economic mismanagement, and external shocks such as the Beirut Port explosion in 2020. The ongoing economic crisis has further strained public resources, making it difficult to maintain and expand critical infrastructure, including transportation networks, water, energy, and waste management systems.

The government has taken several measures to address these challenges, though with mixed results. Notably:

Transportation: Plans for road expansion and modernization of public transport systems have been drawn, but their implementation is often delayed due to funding shortages and governance issues.

Energy: The government has explored transitioning to renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, as a response to chronic power shortages and high pollution levels. However, the energy sector is still dominated by diesel generators, which are costly and environmentally harmful.

Water and Waste Management: Water infrastructure remains a pressing issue. The government has launched efforts to rehabilitate existing water systems and enhance waste management through new treatment plants, but many of these initiatives remain incomplete due to political and financial obstacles.

1. Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization

The promotion of sustainable industrialization is another core component of SDG 9. Lebanon’s industrial sector is primarily composed of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have struggled to maintain productivity and sustainability amid the economic crisis. In an effort to support industrial growth:

Government Support for SMEs: Programs to assist SMEs in adopting modern, cleaner technologies have been introduced, but they often lack sufficient financial backing. The aim is to help these enterprises move toward more sustainable production methods, increasing efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Export Promotion: There have been initiatives to encourage local manufacturers to export their products to regional and international markets. However, high energy costs and regulatory barriers have hampered the competitiveness of Lebanese industries on the global stage.

1. Innovation and Technological Advancement

Innovation plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 9. In Lebanon, there have been efforts to bolster technological innovation through the development of research and development (R&D) capabilities and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems. The government has recognized the importance of fostering a knowledge-based economy, but its efforts have been slowed by political turmoil and financial challenges.

Digital Transformation: As part of its broader strategy, the government has pushed for increased access to digital technologies, particularly in rural areas. Programs to improve digital literacy and infrastructure, such as expanding broadband coverage, are ongoing but face logistical and financial setbacks.

SDG 9 at Beirut Arab University (BAU)

Beirut Arab University (BAU) plays an instrumental role in supporting SDG 9 through its educational programs, research, and collaboration with industries. The university’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability aligns well with the objectives of this global goal.

1. Infrastructure Development on Campus

BAU has invested in sustainable infrastructure projects on its campuses, implementing energy-efficient designs and environmentally friendly practices in construction and maintenance. Notable efforts include:

Green Buildings: The university has developed energy-efficient buildings, utilizing solar panels, LED lighting, and water conservation systems. These efforts reduce the university’s carbon footprint and serve as a model for sustainable infrastructure development.

Campus Waste Management: BAU has introduced waste segregation and recycling programs across its campuses. This not only reduces the university's environmental impact but also serves as an educational tool for students and staff about sustainable waste management.

1. Collaboration with Industry

BAU maintains strong ties with local industries, facilitating research partnerships that promote sustainable industrial practices. The university’s efforts to foster innovation and promote industrial development include:

Research and Development: BAU collaborates with local businesses and industries to conduct research aimed at enhancing production processes, reducing waste, and improving energy efficiency. For example, the university is involved in projects related to green energy and sustainable manufacturing technologies.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub: The university has established an innovation hub that encourages students and faculty to develop new technologies and business ideas, with a focus on sustainability. The hub supports startups and provides mentorship and resources to help them succeed in the marketplace.

1. Academic Contributions to Sustainable Development

BAU’s academic programs reflect its commitment to advancing SDG 9. The university offers courses and degrees in engineering, architecture, and technology that focus on sustainable practices and innovation. Through these programs:

Skills for the Future: Students gain practical knowledge in fields such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, and industrial technology, all of which contribute to building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.

Research Projects: BAU actively supports research projects that explore solutions to Lebanon’s infrastructure challenges, including renewable energy development, waste management innovations, and sustainable urban planning.

Conclusion

Lebanon's efforts to achieve SDG 9 have been hindered by political, economic, and infrastructural challenges. The government has made strides in addressing some of these issues, particularly in infrastructure development and support for SMEs, but much work remains to be done. Beirut Arab University, on the other hand, has emerged as a key player in fostering innovation and promoting sustainable practices. Through its academic programs, research initiatives, and industry collaborations, BAU is contributing to the achievement of SDG 9 by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to build a more resilient and sustainable Lebanon.

Sustainability in Engineering

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Science-and-Technology/sustainability-in-engineering

The research areas related to sustainability in power generation, renewable energy production, and applications of renewable energy align with SDG 7. Using recycled materials, health monitoring of structures, and controlling green buildings, contribute to creating sustainable urban environments. All these topics align with SDG9 and SDG 11.

Description of Subtheme:

The main goals of sustainability in engineering are waste and pollution reduction, use of renewable energy sources, and the creation of durable effective systems that benefit present and future generations. The Faculty of Engineering conducts research that has relevance to sustainability Issues in the aim of development a better world. For example, some research is concerned with reuse of recycled materials, soil stabilization, health monitoring of structures, and the application of AI in controlling green buildings. This can have a positive impact on the quality of life that would be beneficial to health and wellbeing. Other research areas are related to sustainability in power generation and energy, production of renewable fuels, and applications of renewable energy. Several research topics currently being tackled by researchers in the faculty of engineering fall under this theme. Examples of these topics are listed here below:

• Designing of structures to conserve energy
• Reusing of recycled materials (Pavement-concrete-glass-plastics-fibers-Ash)
• Studying of Innovative Construction Structural Materials
• Exploring Soil stabilization
• Exploring health monitoring of structures (corrosion, overstressing)
• Using of innovative ductile composite systems
• Exploring seismic assessment, upgrading and renovation of existing deficient buildings
• Designing of smart control of green buildings
• Using sustainable HVAC solutions for buildings with energy efficiency and good indoor environmental quality.
• Using of wind turbines
• Reusing waste glass in reinforced concrete
• Using of organic solid waste resulting from thermal treatment in cement and asphalt
• Determining of corrosion rates using eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors
• Using Corrosion inhibitor additives in drilling mud
• Designing of sustainable chemical processes for the production of renewable fuels
• Applying renewable and sustainable energy
• Using of sustainability in Power Generation and Energy

Researchers at the Faculty of Engineering show their interest in these topics by conducting research and reporting the outcomes in prestigious international and national journals, magazines, symposia, conferences, and meetings.

Prominent Research:

• Alhakim, G., Jaber, L., Baalbaki, O., & Barraj, F. (2023). Utilization of Fan Palm, Date Palm, and Phragmites Australis fibers for improving the mechanical behavior of sandy soil. Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, 33, 100427.

Nasser Eddine Zeinab, Baaraj Firas, Khatib Jamal, Elkordi Adel, “From waste to resource: utilizing municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash and recycled rubber in pervious concrete pavement”, Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, Volume 8, Issue 12, December 2023.

Green and Bio-Materials

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Science-and-Technology/green-and-bio-materials

Replacing concrete with eco-friendly materials aligns with SDG 9 by promoting sustainable construction practices and advancing infrastructure development. By exploring alternative materials that have a lower environmental impact, this contributes to sustainable industrialization and innovation. Using of sustainable construction materials by doing research on echo – friendly materials, can minimize environmental harming and contribute to the development of sustainable urban environments. All these topics align with SDG 11.

Description of Subtheme:

The Faculty of Engineering conducts research that has relevance to E – Green and Bio – Materials with a mission of promoting environmental sustainability. Important research can be achieved under this theme such as replacing concrete with other echo friendly materials and selecting appropriate materials. This can have a positive impact on minimizing harm to the environment. Several research topics currently being tackled by researchers in the faculty of engineering fall under this theme. Examples of these topics are listed here below:

• Replacing concrete by other echo friendly materials (Geopolymers)
• Using of light-weight prefabricated echo friendly decks
• Studying Material properties to select appropriate materials, and processing techniques for specific applications.
• Exploring of material characterization to determine the suitability for various engineering applications

Researchers at the Faculty of Engineering show their interest in these topics by conducting research and reporting the outcomes in prestigious international and national journals, magazines, symposia, conferences, and meetings.

Prominent Research:

Many publications were reported during the last two years.

• Joumblat, R. A., Al Basiouni Al Masri, Z., Absi, J., & ElKordi, A. (2023). Investigation of using municipal solid waste incineration fly ash as alternative aggregates replacement in hot mix asphalt. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 24(5), 1290-1309.
• Joumblat, R., Elkordi, A., Khatib, J., Al Basiouni Al Masri, Z., & Absi, J. (2022). Characterisation of asphalt concrete mixes with municipal solid waste incineration fly ash used as fine aggregates substitution. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 1-12.

BAU participated in the “Sustainable and Inclusive Internationalization: Reimagining Approaches in Higher Education in an Era of Global Uncertainties” Virtual Conference

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/BAU-participated-in-the-Sustainable-and-Inclusive-Internationalization-Reimagining-Approaches-in-Higher-Education-in-an-Era-of-Global-Uncertainties-Virtual-Conference

Beirut Arab University, represented by Prof. Ibtihal Y. El-Bastawissi (Dean, Faculty of Architecture – Design & Built Environment) and Siam University, represented by Prof. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit (President of Siam University) have been invited by the IAU (International Association of Universities) to share their experience in engaging with the Cluster and sustainability in the Networking Session in the York Virtual Conference on Sustainable and Inclusive Internationalization.

The conference was organized by York University – Canada, in partnership with the IAU, Okayama University – Japan, and Canadian Commission for Unesco. The conference took place on 20-22 January 2021, while the Networking Session that has been hosted by the IAU was on 21 January 2021. In her presentation, Prof. El-Bastawissi focused on achieving the SDG goals generally and SDG9 particularly through education, research, conferences, new labs, innovation and community-based projects as well as wide-spreading BAU Journals, and developing partnerships with other universities.

Following this successful intervention in the conference, IAU represented by Hilligje van't Land, the Secretary General, welcomed BAU and Siam Universities to share concrete examples of community engagement focusing on social impact to be presented by IAU during the University World News Webinar entitled “Building Social Impact and Civic Engagement on 27 January 2021. Prof. El-Bastawissi shared with the IAU seven examples on BAU Community Engagement and on the university’s role in promoting sustainable urban development.

Innovation and Marketing Day

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Business-Administration-Tripoli/Event/Innovation-and-Marketing-Day

The faculty of Business administration Tripoli Campus organized on December 05-2017 a "Marketing Day " in which 11 Video projects was presented by 50 students. During this activity, the faculty of business students tried to prove their marketing skills by using the marketing tools and concepts.

The First Conference on Research and Innovation At Beirut Arab University

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/The-First-Conference-on-Research-and-Innovation-At-Beirut-Arab-University

Under the patronage of Minister of Education H.E. Mr. Marwan Hamadeh, the Faculty of Science at Beirut Arab University organized the “First Conference on Research and Innovation” for students at Arab Schools and Universities at Debbieh Campus. The conference was attended by representatives from the universities of Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Poland and Germany, in addition to 12 universities and 23 schools from the various Lebanese Regions. Five hundred students from Arab Schools and Universities participated in the conference and presented 250 abstracts for Lectures, Posters and Scientific Projects. The topics of the conference focused on modern scientific topics, including environmental treatment, robotics, renewable energy, nanoscale materials, drug exploration, industrial and pharmaceutical microbiology, corrosion control, new materials and biomedical sciences as well as three workshops which shed light on the topics presented. Minister Marwan Hamadeh, represented by the General Director of Higher Education- Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr. Ahmed Al-Jammal, delivered a speech believing that BAU’s quality track has been effected on more than one level, and is attracting minds, organizing conferences and encouraging students to experiment with research that allows them to discover their intellectual and creative abilities. In turn, Dean of Faculty of Science Professor Ramadan Awad considered this conference the first of its kind as it is held at a Lebanese University, bringing together school and university students, postgraduates, industrialists and innovators in Lebanon. This conference, for Professor Awad, represents a distinguished partnership with schools and universities to develop the scientific research system. BAU President Professor Amr Galal Al-Adawi stressed the aspiration to employ the university facilities, capabilities and programs at the service of the community, reflecting sustainable community development in all sectors, from supporting students and graduates to be pioneers of science and development characterized by a distinguished, competitive, academic personality -- the personality of an initiator, researcher, knowledge-maker, and an experienced administrator. For two days, a scientific committee including professors from various Lebanese and Egyptian Universities examined the topics and 23 awards were distributed as follows: • Seven Scholarships for High School Students • Four financial Awards for Grade 7, 8 and 9 school students presented by Beirut Arab University, Lebanon Fund for Development and Innovation, Banque Misr Lebanon and the Federation of North Iqlim El Kharroub Municipalities • Three awards for best Oral Presentation for Graduate Students • Three awards for best Oral Presentation for Undergraduate Students • Three awards for best Poster Presentation for Graduate Students • Three awards for best Poster Presentation for Undergraduate Students However, ten travel awards were presented at the opening ceremony for winners from the Arab countries as 30 researchers applied to the competition and the winners were selected in accordance with the mechanism announced in advance on the conference website. On the other hand, the Faculty of Science at Beirut Arab University – Tripoli Branch participated in this conference through 26 Projects distributed on the following Departments: Biological Sciences – Mathematics and Physics and harvested the following awards: - Abeer Chouk- 2nd Year Mathematics under the supervision of Dr. Maher Jounaid. The Project was entitled “On solving the fractional Newell – Whitehead – Segel equation using the conformable reduced differential transform method”. - The Team of the Student Rayan Farha (Sarah Mbayyed and Mazhar Issa) 3rd Year Biological Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Tarek Houry and Dr. Bilal Osta. The Project was entitled “Multiple Factors Increased “Narghile” Consumption among Teenagers in North Lebanon Tripoli”. - Student Samia Samad – 1st Year Ph.D. Physics under the supervision of Dr. Salem Marhaba. The Project was entitled “Extinction cross-section of Palladium nanoparticles chains”.

Emerging Trends in ICT for Entrepreneurship and Innovation: An Educational and Industrial Perspectives

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Engineering/Modern-Cybersecurity

WEBINARS ON

EMERGING TRENDS IN ICT FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION: AN EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL PERSPECTIVES

DECEMBER 9, 2020

10:00 – 15:00 (GMT +2)

BEIRUT, LEBANON

DETAILED PROGRAM

10:00 – 10:10 :
Welcome Speech

EMERGING TRENDS IN ICT FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION: AN EDUCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL PERSPECTIVES

DR. SOUBHI ABOU CHAHINE, BEIRUT ARAB UNIVERSITY, LEBANON

Dr. Sobhi Abou Chahine Joined Beirut Arab University (BAU) in 1994, where he is currently a Professor in the Electrical & Computer Engineering and the dean of student affairs. He is member of the technical academic committee at the ministry of Education and Higher Education since 2002, which studies the higher education institution files for licensing, audit, and recognition of degrees. He participated in many international projects relevant to higher education reform and quality assurance. In addition, Professor Abou Chahine was an advisor of the minister of Education and Higher Education between 2010 and 2014.

10:10 – 10:30 :
Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION IN A DIGITAL ECONOMY

DR. HASHIM HUSSEIN, HEAD UNIDO INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGY PROMOTION OFFICE

Currently Dr. Hashim S. Hussein is the Head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Investment and Technology Promotion Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain (ITPO Bahrain), and the Arab International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment (AICEI). He is also the Executive Director of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum, appointed as an International Ambassador for Social Corporate Responsibility; the Secretary General of the Maritime-Continental Silk Road Entrepreneurs Alliance, and the Elected Vice Chairman of the Maritime-Continental Silk Road Cities Alliance. He is also a founding member of the Islamic Creative Economy; and a board member of the MENA Investment Center in Bahrain which is supported by the Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).

10:30 - 10:50 :
Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship

DIGITAL INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DR. SAMIR EL MASRY, DIGITALIZATION COMPANY

Prof. Samir El-Masri received his PhD from INPG France. He worked with NTT in Japan for 4 years. He worked in Australia at universities and in industry for 10 years. El-Masri was a Professor for 5 years at KSU Saudi Arabia with 130 research papers and then worked at General Electric for 4 years leading digital. Prof. El-Masri is a well-known digital expert helping large companies in the region and he is the founder of Digitalization.

 

10:50 - 11:10 :
Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship

ICT, INNOVATION, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DR. MANAL YUNIS/ABED NASER KASSAR, LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Manal M. Yunis is an assistant professor of information technology management. She holds a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems from the University of Texas-Pan American, an MBA and a BS in MIS from LAU Adnan Kassar School of Business. She is a member of the Association of Information Systems (AIS), Decision Sciences Institute and AIS Special Interest Groups. She has several peer-refereed journal and conference publications, and is the recipient of many best paper awards from conferences and publishing groups.

Abdul-Nasser El-Kassar is an associate professor at Adnan Kassar School of Business. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, and has received the Post-Doctoral Bridge to Business Program certificate from the University of Florida. With a background in both mathematics and engineering management translated by two master degrees from University of Louisiana, his research ranges from cryptography to engineering management and its underlying mathematics. His research has been published in recognized journals including the Journal of Mathematics and Statistics, Global Review of Business and Economic Research and the Business Review, Cambridge.

11:10 - 11:30 :
Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship

INNOVATION OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE

MR. PHILIPPE FARES, INDUSTRY, G8T SOLUTION COMPANY- LEBANON

Founder and Managing Director of G8T Solutions S.A.R.L. with over than 10 years of experience in analyzing, designing and developing software across the MENA region. From a junior software developer, to taking part in designing and developing a PACS system for prestigious hospitals in the U.S, to leading the development of PRAXIS one of today’s most advanced ERPs in the MENA area. Started G8T Solutions S.A.R.L, a Lebanese software engineering company with offices in Lebanon, Nigeria and Sweden. G8T is currently considered a pioneer in the digital transformation of Lebanese local governments through a state-of-the-art Municipality Management System to answer the arising technological needs in the Lebanese municipalities.

11:30 - 11:50 :
Entrepreneurship in Education

TACKLING SUSTAINABILITY PROBLEMS USING IOT: AN ACADEMIC AND INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

DR. ANDRE GLORIA- UNIVERSITÁRIO DE LISBOA, PORTUGAL

André Glória was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1994. He received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in telecommunication and computer engineering from ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, in 2015 and 2017, respectively, and is finishing his Ph.D. degree in information science and technology, with a specialty in Internet of Things and Machine Learning, at the same university. From 2016 to 2017, he was a Teaching Assistant for the Artificial Intelligence class in the Information, Science and Technology department in ISCTE-IUL. Since 2018, he has been a Researcher at ISCTE-IUL and Instituto de Telecomunicações-IUL, with research on Internet of Things, Machine Learning, Wireless Sensor Network, Wireless Communications, Sustainability and Green Tech. Since 2020 is an Invited Assistant at ISCTE with classes on "Conception and Viability of Technology-Based Project”. In 2018 he co-founded genviot, a Portuguese technological startup that tackles sustainability problems using IoT, mainly in the water management for irrigation systems. He acts as CTO, being responsiblefor all the research and development, in both software and hardware, of genviot solutions.”

11:50 - 12:10 :
Entrepreneurship in Education

ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES IN PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION

DR. DINA BELAL, UNIVERSITY OF KHARTOUM, SUDAN

 

12:10 - 12:30 :

Entrepreneurship in Education

RA’EDAT A SUSTAINABLE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PLATFORM

MR. UBAYDLI AL UBAYDLI - ARAB ICT UNION, BAHRIAN

12:30 - 12:50 :
Entrepreneurship in Education

SPATIO-TEMPOTAL DATA AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DR. HATEM HALAWI, HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY – LEBANON

Assciate Professor and chair person of the division of Mathematical sciences (Math and computer science) at haigazian University Research: Spatio-tempotal Databases, geographical Information Systems, Using AI and smart Algorithms in GIS and navigation

12:50 - 13:10 :
Innovation and Technology

INNOVATION PROCESS IN SMART HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES

DR. SANDY RIHANA- HOLY SPIRIT UNIVERSITY OF KASLIK, USEK , LEBANON

Sandy Rihana is a results-oriented professional with a sound academic background covering multiple disciplines including engineering, technology, healthcare and management. A creative thinker, Sandy is multilingual and has presented at numerous international conferences and workshops. She is first author and co-author of more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in various domains in the medical and in the healthcare technology interdisciplinary journals. A computer communications engineer, Sandy received her Master's degree and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the Technical University Of Compiegne, France. While there, she was awarded the Best Ph.D. Prize called the Guy Denielou Prize. She is a Fulbright scholar at University of South Florida, USA and an invited researcher at Ecole PolyTechnique Montreal. She joined USEK in 2011 to co-found the Biomedical Engineering Department, American Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). She is currently Professor and the Head of Department. Her research interests are smart healthcare technologies including artificial intelligence for medical applications.

13:10 - 13:30 :
Innovation and Technology

WEARABLE BIOMEDICAL DEVICES: HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

DR. ABDULLAH KASEM, NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY – LEBANON

Abdallah Kassem has previously worked as research assistant at Polystim Neurotechnologies Laboratory of the Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada. He still cooperates with this laboratory doing some researches. He received his B.S in Microelectronics from University of Quebec in Montreal in 1992, his M.Sc and Ph.D in microelectronic from Ecole polytechnique de Montreal in 1996 and 2004 respectively. From 1996 to 2000, he taught computer architecture, microprocessors and digital electronic courses and laboratories at AUB, LAU in Lebanon. Prof. Kassem joined Notre Dame University-Louaize in 2005 as an assistant professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. He was promoted to the rank of full professor in 2020. Prof. Kassem published more than 70 papers in reviewed journals, book Chapters and international conference proceedings. He is an Associate Editor in IEEE Access and a Guest Editor Elsevier, AEU - International Journal of Electronics and Communications. His research interests include microelectronics design and testing, VLSI, semiconductor device modeling and simulation, microprocessors, engineering education/management, ultrasonic applications, hardware/software embedded system, healthcare applications, e-Health and m-Health. Prof. Kassem is a Professional Engineer in Lebanon (Ordre des Ingénieurs du Liban). He is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) and Organizer and TPC member of many IEEE International conferences.

 

13:30 - 13:50
Innovation and Technology

INNOVATION OF BRAILLE COPY MACHINE

DR. ALI EL-ZAART- BEIRUT ARAB UNIVERSITY, LEBANON

Ali El-Zaart was a senior software developer at Department of Research and Development, Semiconductor Insight, Ottawa, Canada during 2000-2001. In 2001, he started his work in the capacity of assistant professor at the Department of Biomedical Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. Afterward, in 2004, he transferred to the Department of Computer Science, College of Computer and Information Sciences. In 2010, he has been promoted to associate professor rank in computer science. Since 2011, he has been a faculty member at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University. On March 2016, he has been promoted to full professor rank in computer science. Currently, he is the director of the center for continuing and professional education and sirector of the center for entrepreneurship. He received a M.Sc. (1996) and Ph.D. (2001) degrees in computer science from the University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.

13:50 - 14:10 :
Innovation and Technology

NEURO-MARKETING: ENTREPRENEURIAL POTENTIAL OF AFFECTIVE COMPUTING

DR. IVANA PAVLIC – UNIVERSITY OF DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

 

14:10 - 14:30 :
Innovation and Technology

“STONE AGE” BUSINESS IS OVER!

REINE ABBAS, SPICA TECH S.A.L, LEBANON

With more than seventeen years in the gaming industry and fifteen years in higher education, Reine Abbas is one of the first female game designers in the Middle East and the first to be a founder of a video games company. She is the COO and Co-Founder of Wixel Studios, the first independent gaming company in Lebanon and one of the first in the MENA Region. She is also the CEO and founder of Spica Tech, one of the few gaming academies in the region. Abbas’ work has been recognized around the world and she has won many awards, including the WIT Women in Technology Award 2010, the WOW award for artistic expressions 2013 at the 6th New Arab Woman Forum, Inc.com’s World’s five most powerful women in gaming in 2013, one of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Arab Women in both 2014 and 2015 as selected by ArabianBusiness.com, winner of the MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab Region competition 2017 and Mena Region winner in the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards of 2019. In 2019, she also won the Best Animation award at the ARFF Paris International Awards for her music video “Right Now”. She was featured in Forbes 2019 and was a TEDx Beirut speaker in 2011.

14:30 - 15:00 :
Conference Closing

DR. IRAJ HASHI – UNIVERSITY OF DUBROVNIK – CROATIA

Dr Iraj Hashi is Emeritus Professor of Economics at Staffordshire University, stoke on Trent, United Kingdom where he has worked since 1978. He also has a part time appointment as Professor of Economics and Assistant Coordinator of the ELEGANT project at the University of Dubrovnik, Croatia. He has a long history of working on European projects going back to early 1990s. He has previously worked with the Lebanese universities in the framework of the Tempus Project ASPIRE involving Beirut Arab University and Modern University for Business and Sciences.

14:30 – 15:00 :
Conference Closing

DR. BASSEM KAISSI - MODERN UNIVERSITY FOR BUSINESS AND SCIENCE, LEBANON

Professor Bassem Kaissi is currently the Vice President for International Affairs at the Modern University for Business and Science in Lebanon. He has over 20 years of experience in human resource strategy consulting and as a higher education consultant and expert. He speaks and consults throughout the Arab & European countries on a variety of higher education and management topics. Professor kaissi coordinated and participated in more than 50 research, capacity building and mobility projects funded by the EU, World Bank, AUF, and UNESCO.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Dr. Adel El-Kordi

DEAN OF FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

Dr. Soubhi Abou Chahine

DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Dr. Issam Damaj

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Prof. Ali El-Zaart

DIRECTOR OF THE ENTERPRENEURSHIP CENTER

Eng. Mustafa Bizri

SENIOR SPECIALIST, NETWORK ENGINEER

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

MENA Innovation Summit [5]

https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/MENA-Innovation-Summit-2018

Within the Framework of the “Middle East and North Africa Region Innovation 2018 Conference”, the President of Beirut Arab University Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, Secretary- General Dr. Omar Houri, The Dean of the Faculty of Architecture- Design and Built Environment Prof. Ibtihal Bastawissi, The Dean of the Students’ Affairs Prof. Sobhi Abou Chahine participated in the Summit that was held in Cairo in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology at the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Innovation Summit Institution. The Summit discussed the right methods of the digital transformation and the role of Artificial Intelligence in the industry of making decisions aligned with the investment in the fields of Information Technology, Innovated Communications and Intelligent Universities.