December 3, 2025: College of Business invited Dr. Saleh Alansari, the CEO of Alansari Consulting in Bahrain, to be part of CoB’s Executive Lecture Series.
The lecture titled “Enabling Economic Competitiveness, Universities’ Strategies role in National Innovation System” was presented to the audience and College of Business students. It took place on Wednesday, 03/12/2025, in the Lecture Theatre (M) from 12:00 to 12:50 PM.
Dr. Saleh delivered a lecture on the stages of national economic development and the critical role of innovation in achieving long-term competitiveness. He explained the progression from factor-driven to investment-driven and ultimately to innovation-driven economies, emphasizing that countries aiming for sustainable growth must build a robust National Innovation System (NIS). Such a system integrates institutions, knowledge flows, and strategic linkages to create value across the short, medium, and long term.
A significant portion of the discussion highlighted the role of universities in advancing national innovation goals. Dr. Saleh stressed the importance of localizing knowledge, aligning institutional strategies with national priorities, and ensuring that academic structures support the broader transformation agenda of Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Saleh clarified that while AI enhances prediction and analytical capabilities, human expertise remains essential, particularly in creative and highly technical disciplines.
He also explored various innovation approaches adopted globally, referencing China and BRICS countries as examples of proactive and reactive strategies that suit different economic contexts. Dr. Saleh provided valuable insights into how coordinated national efforts can accelerate economic development.
