Business Chief Europe Magazine March 2015 | Page 5

petrochemical industry represents the major share of patent activities over the last five years . Between 2005 and 2012 , the average share of chemical patents in total patent grants for the GCC was 53 percent , while worldwide the average was 14 percent .
Al-Sadoun “ It is possible that the next technological leap for the petrochemical industry is formulated by an engineer in Abu Dhabi , a scientist in Doha or a researcher in Riyadh or Dhahran City .
“ In the future , producers will need to focus on providing the funding and into developing the minds behind the research . Scientific innovation , after all , occurs when the finances and brains converge .”
The strategies that drive research and innovation will be a key focus of discussion at the upcoming 2nd GPCA Research & Innovation Summit . The key note address at the conference will be delivered by Prince Dr . Turki Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Al Saud , President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Tehcnology ( KACST ).
Other speakers include Dr . Ernesto Occhiello , Executive Vice President , Technology and Innovation , Sabic ; and Ahmad O . Al Khowaiter , Chief Technology Officer , Saudi Aramco .
The GPCA association supports the region ’ s petrochemical and chemical industry through advocacy , networking and thought leadership initiatives that help member companies to
connect , to share and advance knowledge , to contribute to international dialogue , and to become prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemicals industry .
Committed to providing a regional platform for stakeholders from across the industry , the GPCA manages six working committees of Plastics , Supply Chain , Fertilizers , International Trade , Research and Innovation , and Responsible Care and organises six world-class events each year . The association also publishes an annual report , regular newsletters and reports .
The Research & Innovation Summit will be held in Dubai , from March 16- 18 , 2015 at the Ritz Carlton , DIFC . For more information , please visit http :// gpcaresearch . com / 2015 / and www . gpca . org . ae