What is innovation?

Imagine you are just about to go on vacation. Your hotel is booked and your bags are packed. But, in order to get there, you have to take a long car journey. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a shortcut? That’s what an innovation is – a totally new way of doing something that will make your life much easier. So what are waiting for? Yalla!

So what’s the government doing about it?

Lots! The UAE just got voted as the most innovative country in the Middle East by the world’s best business school and, as part of Vision 2021, they’ve designed a strategy to make sure the UAE will be one of the most innovative countries in the whole world by the golden jubilee of union.

That means that every government department now has a ‘CEO of innovation’ to help make sure every department is thinking up new and different ideas all the time.

Show me the money

Sometimes you have to see it to believe it. That’s why H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has launched the Museum of the Future to show people what the latest inventions and innovations. Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City and the Technology and Innovation Center in Ras Al Khaimah are also great examples of institutes that have been created especially to promote creativity and innovation.

But the best example of how innovation is making a difference to our lives is through education. Using computers and smart devices in our schools and giving people the chance to learn online through eEducation is the greatest innovation of our age. Innovation is the education of the future and the UAE is leading the way. 

How can you get involved

Innovation is not just about the government – everybody needs to get involved. We have Innovation Month every year to inspire people to think outside of the box. There are also lots of different exams students can take towards their ‘Innovation Diploma’ which will teach them how to be an innovative leader of the future. The government also runs innovation labs and Ibtikar talks to involve educate adults about the importance of innovation. If your parents can’t attend, make sure you fill them in. You probably know more than you think!

What do you need to be an innovator?

Learning how to innovate is just like playing football or computer games – you have to practice to be any good. Try and approach the problems your problems in a totally different way from usual and don’t be afraid of looking stupid. When it comes to innovation, there’s no such thing as failure. Every mistake you make is part of your route to creating something new. Most importantly never give up. Thinking up new innovation is not easy but it is worth it. More innovations can only lead to people becoming happier and more content. And hopefully to shorter car journeys.