Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, which supports and develops small, medium & developed enterprises and Abu Dhabi University (ADU), has finalised the initial key note line up for an upcoming forum on innovation.

Organised by Aim Events, the conference and events division of ADU, the Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum is scheduled to take place on January 11 and 12, 2010 at the Shangri La Qaryat Al Beri Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

“The Abu Dhabi Innovation Forum is focused on offering practical information, new insights and approaches as well as opportunities to discuss and network with peers,” said Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, chairman of Abu Dhabi University.

“As such, we are delighted with the quality and diverse expertise of our confirmed key note line up and believe their presentations will add considerable value to our dynamic and insightful programme,” he added.

Charbel Fakhoury, regional general manager, Microsoft, will profile the software giant’s global success story revealing the ways in which the company has fostered innovation.

Meanwhile, Dr John Bell, head of strategy and partnerships at Philips Research, will share his perspectives on the next steps in open innovation, and Khurram Hamid of Procter and Gamble will address how to build strategic innovation networks as well as providing an overview of P&G’s ‘Connect and Develop’ programme.

“We handpicked our speakers based on strict requirements outlined by ADU and Khalifa Fund to ensure that we would deliver optimal value to attendees,” Al Dhaheri continued.

“As seasoned professionals and recognised innovators in their field, each speaker is well equipped to draw on their experiences of developing a culture of innovation at their respective organisations, share insights into the latest trends and international best practice as well as offer practical advice to participants.”

Al Dhaheri added that a number of world renowned speakers are scheduled to be announced in coming weeks. – TradeArabia News Service