6 - Strategic Pillars and Executive Work Programs 6.6 ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Table 6.6: ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Primary Programs The primary strategic objectives of this axis are: Positioning Egypt as a regional innovation hub Accelerating development and economic growth in Egypt through development of the ICT sector, with emphasis on creativity Supporting industry in the creation of highlevel job opportunities for professionals and graduates in various specialized fields of ICT Attracting foreign investment to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in the ICT sector Establishment of companies able to innovate in the field of information and communication technology Developing the ICT sector by engaging stakeholders in the introduction, funding and support of innovative ideas Creating an environment that encourages creativity and entrepreneurism Promoting creativity and innovation in ICT to address development challenges 54 55 Executive Programs Table 6.6: ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Primary Programs MCIT seeks to promote research and development, innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of ICT in order to drive sector growth, support sustainable national development and set Egypt on course to become a regional innovation hub by 2020. This will be achieved through a number of programs, the most important of which cover: establishment of ICT centers of excellence in universities and local and international ICT companies; and provision of financial and marketing support for innovative entrepreneurs. Aims Equipping universities with laboratories to foster an environment supportive of innovation to the benefit of both individuals and companies Encouraging international companies to establish research and development centers in Egypt ICT Centers of Excellence Program Promoting joint research projects between Egyptian ICT companies and ICT centers of excellence to facilitate the development of innovative products and services Encouraging the establishment of new companies and the development of solutions serving vital sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, education and tourism, through competitions run by ICT centers of excellence Promoting new technologies and helping companies create innovative solutions and services through Technology Days organized by ICT centers of excellence Supporting the development of innovative ideas whose creators qualify for sponsorship, Entrepreneurship Support Program including the winning of competitions, by providing them space, tools, use of laboratories and access to services shared with incubator companies, as well as expertise relating to financing, marketing and approaching investors Organizing periodic workshops providing training for incubator and emerging companies Establishing a national network of e-learning centers by upgrading Technology Homes to e-Learning Program function as community service centers offering e-learning services, promoting community development and raising the skill levels of young people