Paper submission - Coversheet Information

Paper for the 30 th IASP World Conference on Science and Technology Parks, 2013

Riyadh Techno Valley a 4th Generation Science Park Title of the paper: Driving the change of Riyadh to Knowledge City

Session for which the Steering Committee has provisionally selected PARALLEL 1 - Parks and cities - Intelligent systems and the abstract submitted prior to this infrastructures paper:

Length of the paper: 3.029 words

Author

Given Name: ABDULAZIZ

SURNAME: ALDUSARI

Organisation: RIYADH TECHNO VALLEY

Position: CEO

City: RIYADH

Country: SAUDI ARABIA

Author's e -mail address: [email protected]

Phone (with area code): +966 (11) 4693058

[X] I confirm my ability to present my paper in English.

[X] By submitting my Full Paper I authorise the Conference Organisers to publish it in the Conference Proceedings (if the Paper is approved by the Steering Committee).

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has adopted a long term economic development strategy that shifts its focus in developing Knowledge –based economy. In support of this King Saud University in Riyadh has launched the Riyadh Techno Valley project a 4 th generation science park that will aid to facilitate the kingdom’s efforts in developing a knowledge society. The RTV will play an integral role in encouraging and achieving these objectives.

The Kingdom’s strategy plans towards a knowledge based economy

Consistent with the development plans of the Kingdom, which aims to build a national basis for science and technology capable of innovation and renewal, in line with the trend towards knowledge-based economy. The Kingdom calls for the establishment of “Science and technology Parks” at universities and research centers to direct attention to the promotion of co-financing and joint research programs between industry and academic sector institutions and the establishment of business incubators in order to transform research results into industrial and commercial application. Thus King Saud University (KSU) Council passed on 2009 a resolution approving the establishment of Riyadh Techno Valley at KSU.

Riyadh Techno Valley-King Saud University (RTV-KSU)

RTV Strategy:

Riyadh Techno Valley was established in order to achieve the visions of the Kingdom’s leadership plans to insinuate in the “Knowledge-Based economy” which means “to convert knowledge into economic value” through the conversion of technical inventions to innovations and new products for trading and investing economically in the market. It also aims to convey a leading/outstanding smart campus environment that will enhance research and business development, efficient operation, maintenance, and service delivery in addition to smart, dynamic, and cost-effective administration. Adapting dynamically to the changing patterns of work and lifestyles by evolving into knowledge communities to respond to a combination of business, educational, social, and environmental needs

VISION Leadership in research and business development, as well as technology transfer

MISSION To establish an eco-System in order to attract R&BD centers towards creating a competitive knowledge based economy to achieve sustainable development.

Goals • Transfer habitat and development of technology to serve the national economy and achieve sustainable development. • Creating an attractive environment for local and global investments • Discovering, attracting and adopting innovators • Promoting cooperation and partnership between universities and the research and development centers locally and internationally. • Creating opportunities and distinguished career in the knowledge industry arenas.

The Strategical plan for KSU

During the last three years King Saud University adopted the 2030 Strategical plan. Mainly directing KSU as a research university in Saudi Arabia by focusing more on applied research which will bridge the gaps between the university and the industry and gain commercialized benefits from the academic research. KSU also is moving progressively towards knowledge Society in macro and micro scale in the kingdom by adopting innovations and entrepreneurial programs.

Riyadh Techno Valley a 4 th Generation Science Park

The concept of brain circulation was adopted in RTV in order to exchange new innovative business ideas and turn them into commercial realities. Exchanging the knowledge globally with distance by using the long distance tools such as internet, video conference and satellite technologies supported by reliable smart infra structure in RTV.

Riyadh Techno Valley eco-system towards Knowledge Transfer

In RTV a well structured eco- system in relation to knowledge transfer is the core of the research and development center in line with the aspirations of the kingdom.

Research and Business Development (R&BD) The main goal of the Research and Business development activities in RTV to provide the best environment for the transfer and habitat of technologies towards achieving an eco-system that is relevant for the creation and establishment of new technologies in order to achieve a knowledge based society.

Technology and Effective Knowledge Management

The use of technologies that provide easy access to users and managers would enhance the KM processes. In order to improve the productivities at the Science parks, smart software web- based application tools would make finding information done in a short time very effectively. In addition the web-based application developed at RTV would improve the productivity through executing a smart search that is based on user-profile, storing information more effectively, communicating effectively with other parties, and accessing information securely. Furthermore, it maximizes the knowledge sharing and transfer of technologies. The new approach uses the concept of Geographic Information System (GIS) within the platform of wireless technologies in order to develop an interactive smart context-aware University GIS that enhances the information sharing, communication, and dissemination within the KSU campus and RKC area for the intention to create information-intensive eco-system supporting knowledge creativity and innovation in such multi-disciplinary environment.

Smart Web Based Application

Web-based database application if implemented properly it enables users to access stored information securely anywhere at any time whether they are stationary in the office or mobile. Hence using this technology can improve the productivity at the workplace since it reduces the delay for accessing information, allow users to interact with others in real-time, and reduce the processing time at the work environment. Three web-based smart database applications have been proposed in RTV to enhance the knowledge creation and storage, optimize the knowledge sharing and smart search, and improve the productivity for processing projects and interacting with all staff and tenants at the science parks and campus. Effective Eco-System for Knowledge Base-Economy

In order to establish an eco-system for KBE at Science Parks, a proper model describing the role of each party and the interaction among them need to be structured. The innovation opportunities at the universities would be enhanced with the right collaboration and partnership between private research companies and government research institution nationally and internationally. This can be done through the establishment of science park eco-system which has main role of coordination and synchronization among its stakeholders and the university research sectors as well as external private research companies and its tenants.

The initiatives associated with innovation would have a great effect on the national economy once an eco-system and effective Knowledge Management have been deployed Choosing the right model for establishing the eco-system plays an important role in maximizing the interaction among all stakeholders who can contribute to the creation of products to boost the knowledge Based-Economy (KBE). In line with this RTV Research and Business Development department develop an eco-system for the knowledge based economy at King Saud University at all phases that deals with the creation or transfer of knowledge, dissemination of knowledge, utilization of knowledge, and monitoring the knowledge management. Optimizing the phases of knowledge creation dissemination and utilization can be done by having effective collaboration and partnership programs between KSU researchers, national and international companies and universities, as well as government and fund institutions. In addition the establishment of smart city would help in attracting R&D companies to invest at RTV and support the innovation for strong knowledge economy and successful eco-system. Furthermore, the realization of this eco-system would allow the transfer and habitat of technology to RTV and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards creating useful products for achieving a strong knowledge based economy. This eco-system that is established at RTV involves the integration of all R&D units at the university along with collaboration and partnership with private and public sector in order to support the innovation toward creating useful products.

Fig 1: RTV eco-system

RTV Master Plan Elements:

Each aspect of the RTV master Plan is designed to achieve one or more of the RTV objectives. Outlined below are the major Planning Guidelines and how each contributes to the overall Riyadh Techno Valley Vision.

With the overall vision to create a Science Park that fosters an environment of innovation and collaboration between knowledge-based institutions and industrial partners. The following major development clusters have been adopted based on a feasibility study done by Stanford Research Institute to generate a vibrant mixed-use Knowledge R&BD center. The magnitude of each component was based on benchmarking of similar target developments while keeping in mind current possible stakeholder requirements and KSU potentiality.

RTV Research Clusters The following are the technology clusters adopted in RTV master plan based on the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Feasibility study

• Bio Cluster (Biotechnology) Composed of research and business development (R&BD) in the fields of pharmacology, environment technology, and food sciences

• Chem. Cluster (Chemical Technology and Materials) Composed of research and business development (R&BD) in the fields of petrochemical, materials, chemical materials, and energy

• ICT Cluster (Information & Communication Technologies) Composed of research and business development (R&BD) in the areas of information and communications technology and information security

• The Tech Nucleus Cluster (Catalytic Core and the central research area) The catalytic heart of the Science Park which houses the incubators, the Centre for Entrepreneurs, the office of support services for Operations Research and Intellectual Property, laboratories to serve the local market, as well as KSU and governmental centers for research and development

The RTV planning team designedFig 2: RTV an Research infill Developmen Cluster (SRIt planfeasibility inside study) the KSU campus for RTV, the total area planned for RTV was 1,670,000 m2 within the KSU area which is 9,000,000 m2.

Fig 3: RTV Master plan by Jurong International

Each technological cluster will jointly incorporate a Science Village, a highly densified central district of research, business, education, entertainment and lifestyle to act as catalyst to the development. Development will grow in layers from this catalyst core suggesting a radial expansion to the master plan. This Centre of Gravity acts as a cohesive core to the development but can serve as a focal point which can extend to accommodate future growth. It will serve as the educational and recreational mixed use core of the project. This zone will cater to workers in the science park in addition to visitors from within and outside the city of Riyadh.

RTV - Science Village

The RTV Science village is the dynamic center of gravity of RTV providing a variety and intensity of activities that act as a unifying element for the various innovative clusters. An optimal mix of uses within RTV is critical for social, cultural, and economic vitality to encourage lively interactions. The science village is the visual junction of the various district boulevards. It is directly accessed by the main landscaped RTV gateway along the Riyadh Knowledge Corridor (RKC), and it’s a car free environment with an integrated people mover system that connects the science village to the entire RTV.

Science village is a lifestyle center with various scales of commercial, retail, food, cafes, entertainment, health club, and cultural and lifestyle amenities. Science themed education facilities like science and technology library, science museum, planetarium, business hotel, shopping plaza, serviced apartments which will support past working hours activities. In the conjunction meeting area where the public from different parts of the world and RTV scientist and innovators can exchange ideas, innovation and knowledge awareness to build a knowledge society

RTV Forefront for Riyadh to a Knowledge City

King Saud University campus is located at the North of Riyadh, thus being in the core center KSU establishes an initiative and adopt the idea for the Riyadh Knowledge Corridor (RKC) in prince Turki Alawal road. KSU takes part in putting up a new Riyadh’s Smart Knowledge City node and the focal point of it is the Riyadh Techno Valley project (RTV) which will play an integral role in encouraging developments in this area. This new urban center will be added to the four urban center’s that was already been suggested by the Alriyadh Development Authority (ADA) Strategical plan.

Fig 4: Riyadh’s new Knowledge city center

Riyadh Knowledge Corridor (RKC) Core of the Knowledge City Center

Riyadh Knowledge Corridor Project is a modern tool structured around a connected group of pioneering knowledge and innovation outlets, whose connection is provided by the vision and objectives of building a knowledge-based society. Since Riyadh City includes a number of economic and knowledge entities capable to efficiently contribute in building such a society, King Saud University proposed Riyadh Knowledge Corridor project as a link between educational, research, economic, intellectual, and knowledge entities in view of enhancing interaction and communication among them in a smart way.

Fig: 5 Riyadh Knowledge Corridor

The objectives to be achieved for Riyadh Knowledge Corridor (RKC) : • Creating a smart zone of attraction with high tech new urbanism for the different sections of society in Riyadh. • Encouraging knowledge industries and reinforcing their competitive potential. • Encouraging genuine partnerships in sources of knowledge and innovation. • Facilitating access to information and supporting actions. Offering opportunities and exceptional functionality for the knowledge generation.

The RKC caters to many Knowledge and innovative institution that are located along its main arterial road (Prince Turki AlAwal) such as KSU, RTV, KACST, ITCC, KAFD etc…

Riyadh Techno Valley Current Projects for the Development of a Knowledge City

Main building of Riyadh Techno Valley (Innovation Tower) Located on a land area of about 24.700 m2 and building area of 9.600m2 The building was divided into two towers; the eastern tower which is composed of ten floors and the West Tower and is comprised of five floors. The two towers are connected together through the main lobby and linking bridges. The Valley adopted the application of open spaces and smart offices, for ease of re-division of office spaces to keep pace with the expansion of the valley in the near future.

Half of the office area allocated for meeting rooms, training rooms and workshops, and that is because of the importance of communication, participation and debate in the research and development, incubation, innovation and technology transfer.

In addition the building of the Riyadh Technology Valley applies Sustainability, Green and smart Building standards such as: • Energy saving systems: • Power Saving lambs. • Self-lighting control systems: • Presence Detector • Motion Detector • Lighting Intensity

King Abdullah Institute for NANO Technology:

Located on a land area of about 12.000 m2 and building area of 8.000 m2 the idea behind the King Abdullah Institute for NANO technology building design was inspired by the concept of nanotechnology and its components (core and rotation of electrons and protons). The circular shape of the design signifies the movement of electrons and protons around the nucleus. A structured ball was put in the center that represents the main core which functions as the main hall for conferences, meeting and training rooms. It took into account the architectural design of the project using state of the art architectural materials to give a more sophisticated look and create a visual language that will reflect the intended design concept of the building.

Prince Sultan Advance Technology Institute Located on a land area of about 22.815 m2 and building area of 13.000 m2, which aims to provide a tender knowledge of scientific and technical distinct that seeks to rehabilitate national capacity sessions and private graduate programs that will conduct basic and applied research in the areas of concern to national security and works to support its functions by adopting a culture cooperation that on tribute to activate the knowledge in enhancing efficiency.

National Diabetes Center : Located on a land area of 20000 m2.The mission of the National Diabetes Center is to provide organized and advanced health care with high-quality for patients with diabetes using the latest equipment and techniques developed and which will be reflected positively on the development of medical care for patients with diabetes, regionally, nationally and globally. The project consist of several departments (Clinical department, Community Services department, Research department, clinics, 80 hypnosis rooms,

SABIC Plastic Applications Center For Research and Development Located on a land area of about 100.000 m2 and building area of 42.000 m2 the center will be equipped with the latest equipment that will provide the best available technology to keep the role of integrative with the remaining 15 SABIC technical centers inside and outside the Kingdom which will qualifies the center to be one of the leading centers in building the Knowledge-based economy and contribute with an active role in the process of resettlement of technology in the Kingdom by establishing a link between scientists and researchers in universities with the, manufacturers in the plastic industry.

Smart Infrastructure and services for RTV (Core Facilities of Knowledge City)

The project contains the state of the art main infrastructure (electricity, water, Irrigation, drainage, sewer, and telecom) and RTV realized the important of using smart technology to increase the productivity of existing infrastructure that is why a SMART service profile was integrated. Such services will increase the productivity not only for infrastructure but also for people living and working in RTV. Smart infrastructure is the application of communications technologies to infrastructure to make better, more efficient use of resources. Smart infrastructure can be used to enhance the transport, energy, life style, communications and water sectors.

Fig 6 : RTV Smart Infrastructure/Application Master plan

The Buildings and facilities are to be connected to a central Command & Control Center through state-of-the-art communications network. Interconnectivity between buildings and Command & Control Center shall utilize an Optical Fiber Cabling System as a primary means of communications. Alternate and Backup systems shall also utilize the Optical Fiber Cabling System (redundant and geographically diversified routes). Additionally; the Systems utilize other means of communication such as wired and wireless networks to further enhance Availability/Reliability/Security. The Optical Fiber system is capable of supporting ultra- high speed communications (Terra bit) including TDM and DWDM networking and applications.

With the global trend in almost all technologies and applications utilizing Packet based communications (Wired or Wireless); and where-ever Available/Possible all proposed systems shall be network based (or “IP based”).

The system will provide a single integrated communications infrastructure for all systems and services or separate infrastructure for Building Management and Safety/Security applications further more this smart infrastructure/application will be comprised of the latest technology that will aid in addressing the drive for a knowledge city.

Expected Benefits from Smart Services in RTV • Benefit for RTV and other Developers : RTV and other developers can expect higher asset value and occupancy rate by Smart Community Service. • Benefits for RTV and other Property Managers : RTV and other property managers can not only save operational cost but also pursue additional revenue opportunities by Smart Community Service. • Saving Operational Cost through integration (Energy saving Cost of system operation and human resources). • Faster and more efficient management with Standardized Facility Management process.

• Benefits for End-users Businesses • Comfort and Safe Working Environment. • Ready for Office Automation & Enterprise Solutions. Home Residences • Convenient and Safe Living Environment. • Community Social Networking. Retailers • Advertisement throughout the whole RTV Community • Customer loyalty with Smart Card membership and mileage service. Visitors • Convenient Access to real-time community information customized for various purposes (business, social, shopping and leisure).

Benefits to Riyadh Knowledge City Being able for the community to live in a more diversified manner providing convenience, flexibility and stability in order to cope with rapid changes of modern time.