At the invitation of the UAE Ministry of Economy, TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the 8th panel discussion to forecast the future of economic and developmental integration for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The event was held at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh on August 27-28, 2024.

Sultan Al-Rubaie, senior researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS, and Hamad Al Hosani, senior researcher at the Center, presented a joint paper titled The Role of Research Centers in Utilizing Foresight Tools. The paper highlights the importance of foresight in the face of rapid changes worldwide and emphasizes the pivotal role of research centers in this field.

They pointed out that research centers are crucial in supporting decision-making processes and enhancing economic and social development by developing innovative tools and techniques for foresight, such as artificial intelligence and big data analysis. They also stressed the importance of these centers in providing proactive insights that aid in making informed decisions.

The paper discusses the challenges research centers face in achieving their future objectives and opportunities for collaboration with academic and governmental institutions to develop their capabilities in foresight.

The researchers emphasized the need for sustainable support and funding for research centers to ensure comprehensive and sustainable development. They asserted that developing researchers’ skills, encouraging multidisciplinary research, and providing a supportive regulatory environment are essential for enhancing these centers’ ability to forecast the future efficiently.

The research paper concluded that research centers are vital in employing foresight tools to promote economic and social development and support decision-makers in addressing future challenges. By adopting advanced technologies and collaborating with partners, these centers can provide proactive insights to formulate effective and sustainable policies and strategies.