In a significant initiative to bolster international cooperation in the fields of industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing, Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Ahmari, the Assistant Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Planning and Development, met with Florian Froscher, the General Director of Economic Affairs, Innovation, and International Policy at Austria’s Ministry of Economy, Energy, and Tourism. This meeting took place in the Austrian capital, Vienna, and focused on exploring avenues to enhance collaborative efforts in various sectors, including industrial innovation and human resource development.
During their discussions, a spotlight was cast on Austria’s exemplary experience with vocational training and dual education systems, particularly its renowned apprenticeship model. This model has garnered attention for its effectiveness in cultivating a skilled workforce adept at adapting to modern technologies. The talks emphasized the mutual opportunities available for human capital development, driven by best practices globally, to ensure alignment with contemporary technological advancements and support the objectives of the “Factories of the Future” program.
As part of his trip, Dr. Al-Ahmari visited the local branch of the global giant Siemens and gained an insightful overview of the company’s apprenticeship program, which is notable for its integration of theoretical education within classroom settings and practical training in real-world work environments. He explored the diverse training and qualification programs offered by Siemens in fields such as technology and industry. Furthermore, he observed live applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution within operational industrial environments, providing him with a firsthand look at the transformative capabilities of modern manufacturing technologies. During this visit, he also engaged with apprentices, listening to their experiences and feedback regarding the training programs.
During a subsequent meeting with Siemens officials, Dr. Al-Ahmari discussed opportunities for establishing similar training models within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These discussions specifically targeted promising industrial sectors, including automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and medical devices. The focus was on leveraging these quality programs to enhance the implementation of Fourth Industrial Revolution applications in smart industrial cities, thereby fostering innovation and development in the region.
In addition to his engagements with Siemens, Dr. Al-Ahmari toured the Vienna University of Technology, where he gained insights into the latest advancements in advanced manufacturing technologies. His visit to the “Pilotfabrik Industrie 4.0” research and innovation center further exemplified Saudi Arabia’s commitment to keeping pace with global technological trends. The discussions highlighted Austria’s pioneering role in research and innovation, further inspiring collaborative efforts toward enhancing the Kingdom’s industrial capabilities.
The series of meetings and visits undertaken by Dr. Al-Ahmari during his time in Austria were part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to form effective international partnerships. These initiatives aim to adopt the best practices and experiences from around the world, ultimately contributing to the Kingdom’s industrial transformation and the integration of advanced manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on developing human resources to proficiently handle the sophisticated technologies of the future.
This mission underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision for sustainable industrial growth and its efforts to create a robust framework for innovation and skills development, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market. The collaboration with Austria, an established leader in industrial technology and education, serves as a vital stepping stone in the Kingdom’s journey toward achieving its ambitious economic goals and embracing the future of manufacturing.
