Heriot-Watt University’s Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction (CESC) signed affiliate agreements with 12 leading institutes, organisations and startups in Sustainability, Engineering, Robotics and Advanced Technology.
CESC recently launched the affiliation programme to further enhance its global reach for collaboration and continue advancing the industry through cutting edge research and innovations. CESC has signed affiliate agreements with International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB), Edify, Falcon Robotics Trading, Concerted Solutions, Saifety ai, Soluis, Alpin., WakeCap, B3G Engineering , Society of Engineers (SoE), Smart Navigation Systems and Idea to Life.
Speaking on the affiliate signing, Professor Ammar Kaka, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said, “We are very pleased to associate with global transformative organisations and are excited at the prospect of further contributing to improving the Built Environment through the collaborative research we undertake with our affiliates. The Built Environment is in a very interesting stage globally, technological advancements are taking over, and the need for sustainable solutions is widespread. Developing associations with like-minded organisations is key to the mandate we have under CESC which is to identify innovative solutions for challenges present in the construction practice and aid the adoption of new research and innovation techniques.”
Dr. Anas Bataw, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, added, “Entering into affiliate agreements with organisations across technology, sustainability, and engineering sectors globally, is a great step ahead for us. Our affiliates will support the CESC strategy and vision by addressing challenges and developing smart solutions to enhance productivity, sustainability and well-being in the construction sector. Additionally, it will continue to build a network of world-class innovators to transform the industry and support the next generation of leaders by providing a shared knowledge platform. We are looking forward to collaborating with our affiliates and tackling the pressing needs of the construction industry together.
Launched in September 2019, CESC partners with like minded organisations and government entities to stimulate industry-led innovations and research driven solutions to address challenges in the sector and lead economic growth in the region. As a global hub for disruptive thinking, collaborative research, and a model for solutions development and stakeholder engagement, CESC creates an environment for advancement focusing on enabling technologies.
Since its inception, CESC has continued to work towards transforming the Built Environment through its three main research themes: Performance and Productivity, Sustainability, and Well-Being. Additionally, with the onboarding of industry affiliates, the centre hopes to work collaboratively to influence change and enhance partnerships. CESC’s model is built on the triple helix approach, bringing academia, industry, and governments together on one platform to achieve positive outcomes. While academics bring in the knowledge needs, industry players contribute experience, and at the same time, governments drive policy change.