Gomblatt: The Ministry of Military Production contributes to linking the research system with industry
Konsowa: We are committed to developing Egypt’s higher education system
Dr. Eng. Salah Soliman Gomblatt, Minister of State for Military Production, received Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to discuss areas of joint cooperation. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Military Production’s headquarters in the Government District of the New Administrative Capital, in the presence of a number of officials and leaders from both ministries.
The Minister of State for Military Production stated that the meeting reflects both sides’ commitment to implementing the political leadership’s directives in line with Egypt Vision 2030, which emphasizes transforming education into a key driver of economic and industrial development. He highlighted the importance of strengthening constructive cooperation among state institutions and research centers, and maximizing the optimal use of national manufacturing capabilities and resources for the benefit of Egyptian citizens.
Gomblatt noted that the meeting reviewed the executive status of ongoing cooperation between the two ministries in the fields of scientific research, training, and human capacity building. Progress on joint projects was assessed in accordance with their set timelines. Extensive discussions were held on mechanisms for linking scientific research with industry and maximizing the utilization of outputs from universities and research centers by transforming them into practical applications with direct economic impact, supporting the state’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy. The meeting also emphasized the importance of developing specialized educational and training programs to prepare qualified cadres with advanced technological skills that meet labor market demands, particularly in priority industrial sectors.
The Minister of State for Military Production affirmed that the ministry places great importance on supporting the higher education system through its affiliated entities. In this regard, he expressed the ministry’s readiness to provide practical training opportunities for university and institute students within military production factories, in line with their fields of study. He added that both sides discussed the possibility of implementing students’ graduation projects by leveraging available capabilities and expertise, and working to utilize the outcomes of these projects to deepen local manufacturing, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and assist researchers in establishing startups. This includes enabling students to develop applicable prototypes in cooperation with the Fund for Innovators and Geniuses. The meeting also addressed the possibility of supporting a number of advanced industrial sectors through scientific research, including metal industries (especially steel, molds, and alloys) and artificial intelligence. Additionally, discussions covered expanding cooperation between the Egyptian Academy for Engineering and Advanced Technology, affiliated with the Ministry of Military Production, and various universities across disciplines to support the educational process.
For his part, the Minister of Higher Education expressed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with all state institutions to support the transformation of scientific research outputs into practical applications that serve national industry. He noted that the ministry, represented by the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), is preparing to launch several key initiatives, including the “A Professor for Every Factory” program, aimed at linking innovation with industrial needs and enabling researchers to develop practical solutions that improve operational efficiency and product quality, enhance industrial sustainability, support local manufacturing, and reduce reliance on imported solutions.
Konsowa also referred to the formation of a high-level committee, in line with directives of the political leadership, comprising a group of experts tasked with reviewing academic programs and assessing their alignment with labor market needs. The committee will also analyze graduate employment indicators, introduce new specializations, restructure outdated programs, and strengthen partnerships with the business sector. It will further develop training plans for university students and link them to the labor market in line with global developments in higher education, thereby improving the quality of educational outcomes and enhancing graduates’ competitiveness at the local, regional, and international levels.
The Minister of Higher Education praised the ongoing cooperation between the two ministries in implementing several national projects in higher education and scientific research, noting that this collaboration represents a successful model of institutional integration. He expressed his aspiration to expand partnership areas with the Ministry of Military Production in a way that enhances the efficiency of industrial sectors, especially in light of the need to maximize the utilization of scientific research and closely link it to development challenges to achieve sustainable development goals.
He further emphasized the importance of this meeting in following up on developments in several joint projects implemented by companies and units affiliated with the Ministry of Military Production, noting that this cooperation stems from both sides’ belief in the importance of linking scientific research with industry and transforming it into innovative products and services. This, in turn, supports the development of Egyptian industry, strengthens the national economy, and contributes to preparing qualified cadres capable of leading development based on knowledge, technology, and innovation.
