Egypt currently faces a myriad of climate-related challenges, such as water scarcity, extreme changes in weather patterns and land degradation, among others. In addition, the lack of global consensus on a climate agenda weakens serious national actions towards combating climate change. Ahead of the COP27 hosted in Egypt in September'23, the Futures Lab – hosted by the AUC Innovation Hub and New Silk Roads- explored how the future of Egyptian real estate and how the sector may adapted to climate change-related challenges. Using “futures thinking” and scenario planning techniques, business leaders, architects, researchers and policymakers imagined multiple potential futures for the Egyptian real estate sector in 2050, with a focus on possibilities rather than certainties. Furthermore, rather than trying to predict exactly what will happen in the future, Futures Lab participants examined what could happen in the future, thus expanding discussions about climate change from narrow “problem-solution” questions to more holistic and long-term approaches.

The global outlook is facing currently a survival battle with all disruptions and challenges. None of these challenges can be addressed by only one player. An inclusive and multi-stakeholder approaches are needed now than ever. And with the evolving role of universities and the academic world, they both could offer the needed knowledge and innovation which could cater into the real-time challenges and to innovation appetite for the industry and businesses. Offering the needed infrastructure for academia, students, faculty, startups and business leaders to join forces offering novel and innovative tools to address current and future challenges, has become a pre-requisite for sustainable socio-economic inclusive development.

We are committed to continue working closely with all our stakeholders (industry leaders, policymakers, faculty, start-ups and students) to design and re-design innovative models which would close down further the gap between university and industry. We would replicate existing successful models including Future Lab and Design Thinking labs, as well as introducing new tools like linkages between corporates and start-ups and new ventures. AUC Corporate Innovation Suite Collaboration context involves two-way knowledge transfer context, where Corporates offer real time innovative challenges and opportunities, whereas AUC innovation hub helps offer our business partners a unique access to talent, knowledge and university-based innovation.
In addition, our AUC Innovation Hub state-of-the-art innovation facility in on AUC New Campus. Innovation Hub facilities provide a modern working environment that fosters creativity, collaboration and communication. Innovation Hub partners will have access to the Innovation Hub facilities and AUC campus to work on their own research projects. They will also have the opportunity to collaborate with AUC students and faculty through sponsored research programs, coordinated through a dedicated team at the Innovation Hub.




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