The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) recently held a series of workshops for its staff in Abu Dhabi and Dubai under the title "Innovation Plan", to introduce the employees to the concept and importance of building a culture of innovation, in addition to necessary guidelines with regard to the concept of government innovation and how to engage in the process of innovation within FAHR as part of the efforts towards the achievement of UAE Vision 2021.
In this regard, Laila Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Programs & HR Planning, Executive Director for Innovation explained that innovation plan was in line with the Federal Government’s orientation for the UAE to become one of world’s most innovative countries by 2021. “The fact that His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2015 as Year of Innovation, confirms beyond any doubt the importance of innovation in achieving the objectives of the national agenda of the United Arab Emirates”, she said.
She pointed out that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai had launched several initiatives to promote innovation in the public sector, including the national innovation strategy that focuses on seven key sectors, and establishment of Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation.
She added: “FAHR has been playing a key role in promoting innovation in the field of human resources at the Federal Government level, through launching a number if innovative initiatives such as: "Maqassert" e-Card, Distinguished Employee Program "Testahal", HR Excellence Center, "Ma’aref" Initiative for the Federal Government’s preferred training partners. FAHR will focus during the next period in building an internal culture of innovation, before embarking on laying the foundations for external innovation in the field of human resources.”
According to Laila Al Suwaidi, there exist several different ways to achieve innovation in the public sector, for example: innovation in policies, processes, and services, as well as innovation in systems, social and technological innovation and innovation in service delivery.
Participants were introduced to methods of innovation which are divided into nine, constituting together an action plan for innovation in order to provide services in a creative manner for the happiness of the user.
An internal questionnaire was conducted among FAHR employees to measure their awareness about innovation. The questionnaire focused on several topics, including the concept of innovation, tools, and priorities, as well as the provision of an innovative environment and how to incorporate employees’ proposals to strengthen the action plan and boost their awareness.
The National Innovation Strategy
National Innovation Strategy aims to enable the country’s transition to a new stage of building a culture of innovation among individuals, businesses and government sectors as part of their activities, focusing on certain sectors that will lead the innovation process in the future. The strategic framework for implementing innovation is based on the three main pillars:
Creating supportive environment for innovation
The strategy aims to establish a stimulating environment that supports innovation, including an effective legislative system, modern technological infrastructure and conditions conducive to investment.
Entrepreneurship
The Strategy aims to build entrepreneurship skills of individuals, promote the spirit of innovation, and encourage businesses and government institutions to pursue innovation in the provision of their services.
Innovation- Driven Sectors
While the National Innovation Strategy encourage innovation in general, it focuses at the same time on seven key national sectors: renewable and clean energy, transport, technology, education, health, water, and space.