Jordan Times
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Innovation centre to
encourage youth role in development
King marks 125th anniversary of establishment of Irbid with inauguration
of 250-dunum park project
By Mohammad Ghazal
IRBID — His Majesty King Abdullah stressed on
Tuesday that investing in scientific research and backing innovations of young
people is key to realising the desired changes for progress and advancement.
The King made the remarks yesterday at the inauguration of the Jordan Innovation
Centre (JIC) in Irbid, which serves as an incubator for innovative projects
designed by fresh graduates and researchers.
King Abdullah urged investors, industrialists and workers in the scientific
research field to cooperate and build partnerships by adopting projects that
would reflect positively on the progress of development in the country.
The centre was established in cooperation between industrialists at Al Hassan
Industrial Estate, the Jordan University of Science and Technology, Yarmouk
University, the Jordan Chamber of Industry and the Jordan Engineers Association,
among other key industrial and academic institutions.
Amer Majali, CEO of the Industrial Estates Corporation, said the centre would
link the academic field with the labour market.
He said a feasibility study was carried out prior to the establishment of the
JIC, adding that it will be the prototype for similar centres in other
industrial estates in Amman, Karak, Aqaba and Maan.
According to Majali, participants will receive a range of technical, business
and financial services in addition to fully furnished offices with PCs,
telephones and Internet access.
The centre also offers shared secretarial, printing, copying and fax services,
and a meeting room.
With regard to business services, the centre offers 10 to 20 days of free
consulting for all “incubatees” in several arenas, including company formation
and registration, business planning, feasibility studies, marketing and
communications strategy, market analysis, and financial strategy and planning.
It also provides help with patent, copyright and trademark application
management.
In addition, the centre’s staff will help the incubatees with the financial
needs of their enterprises such as investment readiness and access to funding.
Also on Tuesday, King Abdullah marked the city of Irbid’s 125th anniversary by
laying the foundation stone for the King Abdullah II Park project.
The JD7 million endeavour, which is a gift from the King, is expected to be
completed within two years and will be established over a 250-dunum area in the
southern part of Irbid.
Irbid Mayor Walid Masri said the park would function as a recreation site as
there is a shortage of park in the governorate, in addition to providing social
and cultural venues.
“The park will include facilities for people with special needs as well as
restaurants, an aviary, sports fields and parking lots,” according to the mayor.
In addition, King Abdullah was briefed on a project to develop and revive the
centre of Irbid.
The Monarch also honoured former Irbid mayors for their achievements yesterday.