Abu Dhabi, UAE
Fawzi Banat
Director, Food Security and Technology Center, Khalifa University
AI-Driven Higher Education Research: Driving Commercial and Social Economic Value
Fawzi Banat, Ameena Saad Al-Sumaiti, Vikash Kumar Saini
Food Security and Technology Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abstract
AI-Driven Higher Education Research: Driving Commercial and Social Economic Value
Universities in the Arab world can harness AI-driven research in higher education to promote economic diversification, create jobs, and foster social progress by aligning their academic initiatives with national development goals. University AI research primarily focuses on key areas such as energy transition, automation, healthcare accessibility, agricultural technology, and smart city development. Additionally, universities can leverage AI to transform higher education research into a powerful driver of industrial, commercial, and socioeconomic value by aligning projects with national priorities and building strong partnerships with industry. This paper presents a comprehensive strategic framework for universities in the Arab region to harness artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education research, positioning AI as a key driver of industrial innovation and socioeconomic development. In an era of rapid digital transformation, where AI is reshaping industries and economies, universities must go beyond traditional, discipline-specific research and focus on mission-oriented research that directly addresses national priorities such as economic diversification, sustainable development, sector modernization (e.g., energy, healthcare, agriculture), and inclusive growth. By integrating AI into research ecosystems, institutions can develop scalable, deployable solutions that not only support GDP growth through job creation and exportable technologies but also address pressing societal challenges such as inequality, climate resilience, and inefficiencies in public services. This approach accelerates innovation in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and finance, while also addressing broader social challenges related to sustainability and equity.
Biography
Fawzi Banat
Fawzi Banat is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Khalifa University and serves as Director of the Food Security and Technology Center (FSTC). His work focuses on developing practical and sustainable solutions for food security, particularly in arid regions, through advances in separation technologies, resource recovery, and the utilization of agro-industrial byproducts. Prior to joining Khalifa University, he held senior academic leadership roles as Dean at both the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) and the German Jordanian University (GJU). In these roles, he was closely involved in shaping academic programs, supporting research growth, and building collaborations with regional and international partners. Over the years, Prof. Banat has built a strong research portfolio with contributions in areas such as supercritical fluid technologies, membrane processes, and green extraction techniques for bioactive compounds. His recent work also explores how digital tools and AI can support more efficient and data-driven approaches in food and environmental systems. Alongside his research, he remains actively engaged in linking academia with industry and policy, with a focus on translating research outcomes into real-world applications and supporting innovation-led economic development in the Arab world.