ABU DHABI, UAE – The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and MEXT signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement the UAE’s Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) and deploy the index overseas for the first time.
The move is part of the UAE’s efforts to accelerate decarbonization and digitalization within the global manufacturing sector.
First implemented in the UAE in February in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, the ITTI will soon be deployed in the wider region.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the ‘Make it in the Emirates Forum’ on Wednesday by Tariq Al Hashmi, Director of Technology Adoption and Development at MoIAT, and Efe Erdem, Executive Director of MEXT, in the presence of Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of MoIAT.
Based in Turkey, MEXT supports industrial companies along their digital and green transformation journey towards Industry 4.0. MEXT is the Technology and Innovation Center of the Turkish Employers’ Association of Metal Industries (MESS) and it includes an ecosystem of over 50 globally recognized technology providers, universities and institutions.
Launched under the Technology Transformation Program by MoIAT and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the ITTI is a comprehensive framework to measure the digital maturity and sustainability of factories and formulate a roadmap for industrial transformation.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, said that this partnership will pave the path for the ITTI to be implemented in the wider region, representing a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to help accelerate the decarbonization of the global manufacturing sector.
She said, “By implementing the index with our strategic partners at MEXT, MoIAT is driving digitalization and sustainable industrial development in the region in line with our role as a champion of 4IR, advanced technology, digital transformation and innovation.”
She added, “We know that the decarbonization of industry must be an inclusive and global effort. That is why the UAE is committed to creating enablers that support industries around the world to harness advanced technologies and enhance efficiency.”
Al Amiri said, “We are actively seeking to engage countries and partners that share our ambition to transform industry through digitalization and sustainable practices.”
Efe Erdem, Executive Director of MEXT, said, “MEXT will be glad to share expertise and technical knowledge from Turkey with the industry in UAE, fostering new collaborations and opportunities within the framework of the new MoU.”
He said, “We believe the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology throughout the country, including The Technology Transformation Program (ITT) are very crucial steps in empowering the industry for its digitalization and sustainability journey.”
He added, “MEXT will continue its engagements in the UAE to assist the industry with its transformation.”
Announced at the World Government Summit 2023, the ITTI enables manufacturers to make data-driven decisions to allocate resources more effectively and unlock financial incentives.
The index promotes the integration of 4IR applications and sustainability best practices and raises awareness about the benefits of advanced technology.
The ITTI is the first of its kind to integrate 4IR fundamentals with sustainability in one comprehensive framework.
Under the MoU, MoIAT and MEXT will collaborate to support ITTI’s rollout in the region.
They will achieve this through spreading awareness of the index through roadshows and events, co-creating programs to support digital transformations and decarbonization based on the findings of the ITTI, as well as generating thought leadership on Industry 4.0 and sustainability.
The ITTI is a key pillar in the UAE’s National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.
It is a game-changing initiative designed to help companies take their first steps towards Industry 4.0 and make their operations more sustainable.
Four of the ITTI’s categories are sustainability related, including Sustainability Strategy & Governance, Water & Wastewater Management, Emissions Management, and Material Circularity.
The ITTI is simple and intuitive to understand, making it an effective and forward-looking planning tool for manufacturers.