Foundation of success

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management

ISSN: 1741-0401

Article publication date: 1 March 2005

156

Citation

(2005), "Foundation of success", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 54 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm.2005.07954baf.003

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Foundation of success

A new technology park is being created in the Middle East – the Qatar Foundation Science and Technology Park (STP). Qatar situated on the west coast of the Arabian Gulf, has a population of approaching 750,000 people and, mainly thanks to its huge hydrocarbon reserves, has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

STP is located in Education City, a 1,000 hectare campus of education and science institutes in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Its vision is to become an internationally recognised hub for research and commercialisation and to promote technology development in Qatar in order to diversify and accelerate economic growth.

STP and Education City are part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, a private, non-profit chartered organisation, founded in 1995 by His Highness the Emir and chaired by his consort, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missend. The Qatar Foundation has secured the services of ANGEL technology, the international consulting and management company, to manage and operate STP.

STP provides business services, office accommodation, laboratory and other technical facilities to organisations undertaking R&D, product development, training, and new knowledge-based businesses. Accommodation is leased to clients engaging in commercial activities provided that their predominant activity is research, product or process development, or training.

Dr Eulian Roberts, Project Manager of STP and a Director of ANGLE Technology, said: “We have been very pleased with the early commitment of a number of important clients and the emerging pipeline of perspective tenants at STP”.

Companies that have already joined STP include EADS, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, Shell and Total. As well as multinational companies, STP will accommodate research institutes and start-up technology businesses.

Roberts added: “With the physical development now well underway, we are focussing our attention on the creation of a wide range of support services for clients, including a tax fee zone, investment funds, business incubation programme and a number of skills development initiatives. This is where I believe we can add significant value to our clients’ businesses.”

Currently operating from temporary accommodation, the initial construction phase of a series of multi-user buildings at STP, totalling 35,000 m2, is on target for completion by the end of 2005. The wider development of this 120 hectare facility will include a full design and build service for clients requiring their own buildings. STP’s neighbours include some of the leading international universities, providing opportunities for joint research and a stream of skilled graduates. As well as campuses of Carnegie Mellon University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Weill Cornell Medical College, Education City hosts primary and secondary schools, and over the coming few years will add a speciality teaching hospital, convention centre, hotel and leisure facilities.

Ben Figgis, STP’s Marketing Executive, said: “There will be no limit to the kinds of technology pursued at STP.”

Core areas will be those related to Qatar’s strengths and needs, such as gas and petrochemicals, healthcare, ICT, aviation and environmental and water technology.

With quality infrastructure, access to technology and human resources, business incentives and a location in a booming economy, STP offers an ideal location for technology-based business.

For further information, please visit www.stp.org.qa

Related articles