AMMAN - The city of Amman, a beacon of innovation and progress in the Mediterranean region, hosted a roundtable discussion on the study of "Green Innovation and Employability in the Med through the Triple Helix". The roundtable was hosted by the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST). The study itself is funded by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), commissioned by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), and carried out by the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED).

The roundtable was opened by the Assistant Secretary-General of the Higher Council and the National Focal Point for the study, Dr. Hussam Khasawneh, who emphasized the alignment of the discussion with Jordan's Modernization Vision. This vision aims at supporting and developing the national economy, focusing on sustainable growth that benefits all sectors of society.

The Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST) was highlighted as a pivotal player within UfM. The HCST, through its affiliated centers, is driving research, technological development, and innovation in Jordan. It fosters a culture of scientific excellence and creates a sustainable environment for innovation.

The study discussed during the roundtable is a crucial step towards bridging the gap between academia and business. It aims to map and assess existing policies and instruments that facilitate the employment of graduates and researchers in the Mediterranean region, highlighting how they could support the development of a sustainable economy through innovation and employability.

The Triple Helix Model of Innovation, a key focus of this study, brings together three spheres that traditionally operate separately: university, industry, and government. The model theorizes that in a knowledge-based economy, boundaries between these different spheres are fading, and interaction between them flows dynamically in all directions, creating an innovative environment.

The roundtable was attended by experts and leaders from the government, Jordanian universities, the private sector, NGOs, and other participants.

The roundtable concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to work together to create a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous. The event was a testament to the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development, green innovation, and employability in the Mediterranean region.