Beirut: The Research, Innovation, and Creativity Hub (RICH) within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Beirut (AUB) organized its first “Bridging Minds and Markets” forum to explore how academia can actively support Lebanon’s industrial growth through innovation, research, and workforce development. Participants from AUB, government, and some of the country’s leading industries discussed how universities could serve as reliable partners in creating homegrown solutions, transferring technology, and supporting local advancements.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, AUB President Dr. Fadlo Khuri noted in his opening remarks that while distance remains between academia and industry, the conference is a call to move beyond scattered initiatives toward more systemic changes and a formal infrastructure for collaboration and acceleration. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state, industry, and universities, advocating for a model grounded in the Lebanese context but driven by shared ambition and a conviction for a sustainable and inclusive country.
Khuri remarked on Lebanon’s history of losing its brilliant minds, stressing the importance of showing young people that education can lead to employment, opportunity, and leadership. This sentiment was echoed by other speakers who proposed close cooperation with the diaspora, which is ready to invest resources and networks in the country.
Speakers agreed that during Lebanon’s five-year socioeconomic crisis, industry was among the few sectors avoiding layoffs. Key sectors like agri-food, pharmaceutical, packaging production, and jewelry could benefit from academia’s collaboration. Experts highlighted biotech and artificial intelligence as emerging priorities.
The discussion emphasized that Lebanese industrial companies, primarily SMEs, need protection and support. Participants noted that industry in Lebanon should cater to not just local inhabitants but the entire Middle East. They also pointed out the state’s role in encouraging industry, highlighting persistent high taxes and production costs.
Speakers stressed the importance of innovation, with academia contributing through research. They called for collaboration and alignment of university curricula with local industry needs and the creation of campus incubators. References to global examples such as Silicon Valley were made.
Dr. Carol Abi Karam of Pharmaline highlighted the need for universities’ practical support in applied research projects, noting the importance of publications to the pharmaceutical industry. Minister of Industry Joe Issa el-Khoury emphasized the collaboration of ideas, people, and funding in transforming research into commercially viable solutions.
The event featured additional speakers such as Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Fares Dahdah, FAS Associate Dean Wissam Raji, and industry leaders from various sectors. The panels were moderated by Professors Houssam Rassi, Rabih Talhouk, and Tania Haddad.