The German Jordanian University (GJU) organized the first forum of the Technology, Research, and Innovation Park (TRIP), under the theme: “Promoting Research, Development, and Industrial Collaboration for a Competitive Jordan.” The event was attended by a distinguished group of academic and industrial leaders, decision-makers, and representatives from both the public and private sectors.
The forum, held in partnership with the Innovative Private Sector Development (IPSD) project implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), reflects the university’s vision to enhance Jordan’s competitiveness locally and globally through innovation, technology transfer, and support for sustainable economic development aligned with the National Economic Modernization Vision. The forum also addressed models of collaboration in research and development (R&D) and their role in driving innovation, economic growth, and technological leadership in Jordan.
Dr. Wael Armouti, Companies General Controller, delivered a speech on behalf of H.E. the Minister of Industry Trade, and Supply, emphasizing the importance of the forum in strengthening communication among national institutions and its role in supporting innovation, scientific research, and linking the industrial sector with academia.
Prof. Rami Al-Azrai, Dean of Scientific Research (DSR), and Dr. Fadwa Dababneh, Director of TRIP, presented the establishment of TRIP, which was inaugurated last November under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein. The Park aims to reinforce the university’s leadership in technology and research, contribute to scientific advancement in the Kingdom, and support economic growth.
The event witnessed the signing of several strategic Memorandums of Understanding between GJU and prominent national institutions, including the Jordan Economic Forum, the Jordan Chamber of Industry, Al Mamlaka TV, and a joint initiative between the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB), Al-Hussein Technical University, and GJU. These partnerships aim to strengthen TRIP’s capabilities, enhance collaboration among industry, academia, and government, accelerate research commercialization, and build a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem in Jordan.
The forum also announced the results of the Joint Funding Grant Program—a collaboration between GJU, HTU, and Jordan University of Science and Technology, which aims to support applied research, bridge the gap between universities and industry, and fund impactful innovation projects.
On the sidelines of the forum, a panel discussion titled "The Future of R&D: How Collaborative Models Can Accelerate Technological Advancement in Jordan" was held, featuring Prof. Mashhoor Al-Rifai, Secretary General of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, Ms. Malak Al-Oqeili, CEO of Golden Wheat for Grain Trading, and Eng. Hussam Quedan, Procurement Manager and research and development, at Petra Engineering Industries Co.
The panel was moderated by Prof. Ayman Al-Share, Dean of the School of Applied Technical Sciences (SATS) at GJU. The discussion focused on strategies to enhance Jordan’s innovation ecosystem and the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate R&D outcomes at the national level.
The forum concluded with an inspiring speech by Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, President of GJU, who reaffirmed the university’s vision to support innovation-driven development and its commitment to impactful research initiatives. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all participants for supporting GJU’s vision in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic modernization.
At the end of the event, attendees toured the TRIP labs and R&D company booths to explore the latest achievements and technologies. They praised the importance of such initiatives in strengthening collaboration among different sectors and affirmed that innovation and scientific research will remain key drivers of Jordan’s competitiveness at both regional and global levels.
