UAE launches 'Industrial Technology Transformation Index'

As part of the Technology Transformation Programme, the ITTI was developed with leading industry players, consultancy firms, technology providers and subject-matter experts. MoIAT will also collaborate with UNIDO to internationalise ITTI.

By using ITTI, manufacturers will be able to make data-driven decisions to allocate resources more effectively and unlock financial incentives. The index will promote the integration of 4IR applications and sustainability best practices and raise 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.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, announced ITTI at the World Government Summit 2023, which runs until 15th February under the theme “Shaping Future Governments”. The announcement happened in the presence of Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).

“Technology and sustainability are at the heart of the UAE’s industrial transformation plans,” Al Amiri said. “We are progressing quickly on a path to digitise factories, make manufacturing smarter, greener and attract the most cutting-edge companies and human capital. It is a path supported by the Technology Transformation Programme, and Make it in the Emirates initiative.

“In line with its commitment to supporting all UAE-based companies to join us in entering the Fourth Industrial Age, the ministry has developed the ITTI as a game-changing initiative that will help companies to take their first steps towards Industry 4.0, stay ahead of the curve, and unlock the potential of advanced technology. Sustainability is a core pillar in the ITTI which will support manufacturers in reducing emissions and boost our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said, “Forging ahead with our comprehensive plan for building a Falcon economy on both Abu Dhabi and Federal levels, we have introduced the indices for manufacturers and industrial partners to use as launching pads for their smart and digital transformation goals, empowering them to take a meaningful leap towards industry 4.0 transformation.”

“The UAE and Abu Dhabi are on track with national goals and commitments relating to ‘Operation 300bn’, particularly in advancing sustainable economic growth and diversification, deploying clean energy solutions, innovation, and promoting responsible consumption and production. We are actively pursuing the adoption of Industry 4.0 programmes and technologies by all sectors sand industries, blending smart manufacturing, circular growth, and the reduction of waste and emissions," he explained.

The index’s categories are aligned with the manufacturing value chain, and are comprised of 20 dimensions out of which 4 are sustainability related. The design ensures the index’s alignment with the functions of the factories making it simple and intuitive to understand and an effective and forward-looking planning tool for manufacturers.

In order to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the tool, the Ministry piloted the ITTI with 75 manufacturing plants in 8 priority sectors, around 60 of which are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

During the pilot phase, ITTI inspired many to take the next step in their digitalisation journey, and most participants indicated that they highly recommend the assessment to industrial peers.

To properly activate and scale the ITTI, a certification programme has been developed to qualify third party assessors to conduct 1-day assessments based on the ITTI framework. The tool enables certified assessors to evaluate current technology and processes of manufacturing plants across the manufacturing value chain. Based on the findings of the assessment, assessors develop a detailed report, providing recommendations on prioritised actions to help manufacturers identify business areas where improvements will generate the highest business impact.

The Ministry and ADDED developed ITTI in collaboration with Siemens and other leading knowledge partners. MoIAT revealed 8 certifying bodies associated with the index, including Yokogawa, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Future Factory, EGDE Group, Du, and Accenture.

During her speech, Al amiri called on ecosystem partners to join the programme as Certified Assessing Bodies, and encouraged industrial stakeholders to undertake the ITTI assessment to support a smart and green industrial transformation in the UAE.