Research & Development

Research and Development Committee

Committee Chair

Shaha Mohammed Saleh

Position in SCBC

Chair of the Research and Development Committee

Introduction to the Committee

The Research and Development Committee works to enhance national innovation and advance applied research to serve vital sectors and achieve the goals of Vision 2030. It focuses on supporting Saudi-Chinese research and industrial collaboration, building human capacities, registering patents, and developing strategic solutions in the fields of industry, health, energy, artificial intelligence, and defense — all in support of sustainable economic transformation.

Vision

To serve as a national catalyst for innovation and applied research that supports modern industrial trends, contributing to economic growth through collaboration with the Chinese side on a wide range of industrial projects.

Mission

Supporting research and development in strategic fields through the implementation of new strategies such as R2C — “from Research to Commercialization.” In addition, strengthening collaboration with research centers and the industrial sector in both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China, within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Goals

Encouraging local innovation and increasing the number of registered patents.

Building human capacities by training and qualifying Saudi and Chinese researchers and technicians.

Strengthening partnerships with the private sector in the People’s Republic of China to promote technology and knowledge transfer.

Establishing local research-based companies in collaboration with industrial and research experts to help advance local industries through the commercialization of research outcomes and market competitiveness.

Launching and attracting manufacturing ventures resulting from Saudi-Chinese cooperation across various strategic industries to open new markets.

Leveraging the infrastructure and human resources of universities, research centers, and factories to develop products and services that meet client and market demands.

Companies and Institutions

Saudi and Chinese scientific research centers — to strengthen cooperation and foster innovation.

Major industrial companies in the Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China — to facilitate technology and knowledge transfer.

Entrepreneurs and startups — to develop innovative and competitive market solutions.

Manufacturing and strategic industry plants — to establish joint ventures.

Medical and healthcare institutions — to develop vaccines and innovative medical devices.

Artificial intelligence and clean energy companies — to promote digital and industrial transformation.

2025 Accomplishments

The committee has been established and its members appointed. A comprehensive work plan for the year 2026 has been developed, along with a detailed roadmap. Key industrial research areas have been identified, objectives and key performance indicators defined, and initial communication and strategic partnerships initiated with relevant entities to advance research collaboration and industrial development.

Upcoming Events and Targets

Applied research projects to be registered as patents under the Research and Development Committee.

Inviting prominent business leaders and key figures to forums that support industry, knowledge exchange, and expertise transfer.

Organizing exhibitions to showcase and promote ideas and products that serve priority sectors.

Training factory technicians on the use of artificial intelligence tools to enhance product quality and increase productivity.

Encouraging the adoption of robotics in factories to improve operational efficiency.

Launching industrial and research initiatives in the fields of healthcare, preventive medicine, vaccines, and defense technologies.