The monthly series of talks, aimed at public sector employees, features global thought leaders on government transformation in an increasingly networked and smart cities ecosystem. The sessions will tackle key topics such as the growing importance of mobility, cloud, mobile apps, big data, social media, and business analytics amid SAP’s forecast that 50 billion devices will be connected to the Internet of Things by 2020.

In the run up to the first of the sessions on 8 December, a curtain raiser will be convened on 24 November that will bring together Dr. Bassem Younes, Director of Strategic Alliances, MBRSG, Dr. Hichem Maya, Head of Business Transformation Services, SAP EMEA, and Peter Mittemeyer, Head of Business Innovation and Transformation, SAP EMEA to deliberate on “Ideation to Innovation”.

“In line with the recently launched innovation strategy and the UAE’s journey of innovation towards higher levels of citizen- engagement, MBRSG takes up the role of a knowledge partner and a platform for dialogue among public and private entities in order to complement their achievements in enriching the environment of innovation in Dubai and the UAE.  It is evident that the dissemination of knowledge is needed by all stakeholders for productive and efficient engagement. Having said that, we have partnered with SAP to design and develop this learning series to best serve the target audience.” said Dr. Bassem Younes, Director of Strategic Alliances, MBRSG.

Middle East governments, by working with the private sector and strong start-up community, are at the forefront of using technology to transform service delivery to tech-savvy citizens across the fields of education, healthcare, job creation, and hospitality and tourism.

“The real challenge in public sector innovation is not to create ideas, but rather to take a great idea and define, design and develop the business model and practice,” said Tayfun Topkoc, Managing Director, SAP UAE. “Our design thinking process will help show public sector organizations in the UAE and beyond how to creatively bring great ideas to life, and demonstrate their value to governments.”