Innovation to play a key role in driving economic growth globally and in the Middle East

A.T. Kearney Signs Agreement with INSEAD, Cornell University and WIPO to become Knowledge Partner for the 8th Edition of the Global Innovation Index 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 24, 2015 — Global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, and its subsidiary IMP³rove - European Innovation Management Academy, have signed a two-year agreement with INSEAD, Cornell University and the World Intellectual Property Organization. The agreement sees A. T. Kearney and IMP³rove Academy taking on the role of knowledge partner in the development of the next Global Innovation Index (GII). The other global GII partners are: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and du- Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company. 

The collaboration will leverage A. T. Kearney’s innovation expertise, and build on IMP³rove Academy’s know-how of innovation management insights from more than 4,500 businesses globally.

“Emerging economies in the Middle East have made fast progress in the last five years with both private and public sectors showing growing interest in the innovation process. Providing the right innovation frameworks, management tools and building local capabilities will therefore play a key role in energizing creative individuals, SMEs, large corporations and governments to achieve the visions laid out for growth and competitiveness”, said Bob Willen, A.T. Kearney, Global Lead Partner, Government and Economic Development Practice.

A.T. Kearney and IMP³rove- European Innovation Management Academy bring their proven expertise and insights to the GII based on work performed for both private and public sector organizations as well as collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Falling Walls Foundation. A. T. Kearney recently developed a report on “Fostering Innovation-driven Entrepreneurship in Europe” with the WEF and is a founding partner of the Falling Walls Foundation, which is a platform for leaders in science, business, politics and the arts to discuss issues related to research and innovation. 

“We are pleased to have A.T. Kearney and IMP³rove Academy join the GII Knowledge Partners group. We are looking forward to the collaboration and leveraging the broad experience from A.T. Kearney’s global practice and innovation management,” said Soumitra Dutta, Anne and Elmer Lindseth Dean, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University and co-author of the report.

Last year, the GII surveyed 143 economies around the world, using 81 indicators to gauge both their innovation capabilities and measurable results. The GII recognizes the key role of innovation as a driver of economic growth and prosperity, and the need for a broad horizontal vision of innovation applied to developed and emerging economies. As such, the Index includes indicators that go beyond the traditional measures of innovation such as the level of research and development.

“Many people are convinced that innovation management is more of an art than a capability. However, our research over the past 10 years shows that the main reason today’s industry leaders have achieved their top position, is the best-in-class innovation management systems they have in place. It is this very approach to innovation which gives them an edge over their peers - an advantage which can be leveraged across entities on a global scale”, concluded Kai Engel, partner and global competence team lead for innovation and product creation management, A.T. Kearney.