Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Prof. Dr. Mohamed Rashad Abdel Fattah, Acting Director of SRTA City, the City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications announces the launch of the “Fourth International Scientific Conference: Scientific Research and Innovation Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy.”

The conference is chaired by Prof. Dr. Abeer Abdel Wahab, Dean of the Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research at SRTA City, and attended by Prof. Dr. Yasser Refaat, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Planning, Governance, and Research Policies and Applications, representing the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Prof. Dr. Amira Yassin Mohamed Heikal, Deputy Governor of Alexandria, representing the Governor of Alexandria; and Prof. Dr. Emad El-Din Hassan, Acting Secretary of the Council of Research Centers, Institutes, and Bodies.

The conference also witnessed the participation of numerous university presidents, heads of research centers, vice presidents of universities and research centers, deans of faculties and research institutes, chairpersons of industrial companies’ boards of directors, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Gamal, Director General of Religious Guidance and Religious Media in Alexandria, former ministers, and faculty members and researchers from various universities and research centers.

The conference is being held from September 14 to 15, 2026. This year’s conference aligns with Egypt’s national vision for sustainable development and aims to strengthen effective links between research outputs and the industrial community in order to develop innovative solutions that support a knowledge-based economy and meet the nation’s needs.

Research and Innovation as Drivers of Economic Growth

Prof.Dr. Mohamed Rashad emphasized that scientific research does not realize its true value merely through publication in prestigious journals or obtaining patents. Rather, its true value emerges when it generates tangible impact and economic strength through competitive products, advanced technologies, practical solutions for production networks, the value of research contracts with industry, the number of university spin-off companies, the employment opportunities created by innovations, and the resulting economic and social returns.

He stressed that the conference seeks to move beyond the traditional concept of wealth and establish an integrated ecosystem that brings together universities, research centers, industry, investors, and the state to transform knowledge into sustainable development opportunities and national capabilities. These efforts aim to secure Egypt’s position in the future economies driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and green technologies.

Ministry Policies and the Role of Research in Serving Industry

Prof. Dr. Yasser Refaat explained that the Ministry is moving forward with completing and continuously updating its policies in line with global developments and national challenges. He highlighted the importance of strengthening governance and strategic planning to support the scientific research and innovation ecosystem.

He called on researchers and academic institutions to place greater emphasis on providing consultancy services and practical technological solutions to the industrial sector, while directing research and scientific outputs toward serving society as a whole and addressing its vital needs.

Strengthening Academic, Research, and Industrial Partnerships

In her speech, Prof. Dr. Amira Yassin, Deputy Governor of Alexandria, stressed the need to deepen cooperation and integration between academic and research institutions on the one hand, and the industrial and private sectors on the other, with the aim of transforming scientific outputs and innovations into products and applications that contribute to economic growth.

She also explained that genuine investment in the nation’s future is embodied in supporting young people and researchers and empowering them to develop their creative skills.

In the same context, Prof.Dr. Abeer Abdel Wahab stated that holding the conference for the fourth consecutive year reflects the continued success and firm commitment of SRTA City to establishing a culture of innovation geared toward meeting development needs.

Over its successive editions, the conference has proven to be a unique platform that brings together scientists and researchers with executive and industrial partners to discuss the latest technologies and modern applications, while exploring new horizons that advance applied scientific research.

High-Level Panel Discussion

The conference’s opening day featured a high-level panel discussion bringing together distinguished policymakers, leaders from Egyptian universities and technological universities, research centers, economic experts, and industry leaders under the title:

“An Integrated Vision Linking Scientific Research and Higher Education to Meet National Needs.”

The panel addressed several key themes, including:

Mechanisms for transforming patents and laboratory research into commercial products and registered brands.

The role of scientific research in developing various production lines.

Strengthening partnerships between research centers of excellence and the industrial sector to provide sustainable solutions across different fields.

Supporting startups based on innovative technologies.

The session witnessed extensive interaction and strong attendance from participants and specialists. The contributions and in-depth discussions enriched the panel’s themes, while attendees emphasized the importance of this integrated vision in linking research outputs to real market needs and supporting an innovative national economy.

Scientific Sessions and Research Outputs

As part of an inspection tour for the attendees, the conference program included scientific sessions and presentations of the latest research outputs and scientific posters.

These activities aimed to achieve a number of strategic objectives, most notably:

Promoting scientific research and innovation to accelerate the transition toward a knowledge-based economy.

Bringing together stakeholders across the ecosystem by strengthening cooperation among academic and research institutions, centers of excellence, and the industrial sector.

Addressing challenges through discussions of national and regional challenges and the presentation of sustainable, research-based solutions.

Commercializing research outputs and showcasing successful models for transforming research into marketable products and services.

Encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to addressing economic, environmental, and health-related issues.