Allam Ahmed

Allam is a prominent academic and expert in the field of technology and knowledge transfers to achieve sustainable development. He is founding president of the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) and editor of all its journals. He was also the founding Knowledge Manager of the Government of Abu Dhabi Knowledge Management Framework (Musharaka), which was the first and major initiative of its kind within the MENA region to improve the productivity and functional performance of employees. Allam completed MSc /MBA from the Royal Agricultural University in the United Kingdom after being awarded a RAU Scholarship and also received the prestigious RAU University Book Prize for Best Dissertation. He then ventured to a PhD in Economics at the Edinburgh Napier University and completed his doctoral degree in just two years wherein he focused on technology and knowledge transfers for development – both areas contributing to the rise of smart cities. With more than half of the world’s population moving into urban areas, countries must adapt and respond to their growing needs. Since 2004, Allam is based in the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) of the University of Sussex, which is a world leader for research and consultancy in science and technology. He is a visiting professor at the Royal Dock School of Business and Law , University of East London, and University of Brighton (2012-2015) where he was also the founding director of the Middle Eastern Knowledge and Economic Institute (MEKEI). Prior to his recent post, Allam has an extensive teaching experience at various universities in the UK and around the world including – University of Edinburgh (UK), University of Leicester (UK), Regents Business School, Amity Business School (India), and University of Khartoum (Sudan). Aside from being an educator, Allam is also a Fellow and Chartered Marketer of the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the UK.

True to his belief that knowledge and experience are empowering tools for development, he has continued to share his work through different platforms. He has produced internationally acclaimed publications, books, countless articles, marketing and policy reports in his fields of expertise. He has also travelled extensively to conduct talks, seminars, workshops, and keynote speeches to a wide range of audiences such as academic institutions, students, private and public sector officials, governments, and international organisations. A rich resource of his work includes his professional website www.allamahmed.org that makes his research and insights accessible online. With more than 25 years of relevant experience, it is no surprise that he continues to be consulted with the World Bank, United Nations, European Union, UK Economic and Social Research Council, Dutch Research Council, World Food Program, and provide them with expert and technical assistance on their projects. Officials, academics, students, and various partners he has worked with note of his excellent inputs and commitment to implement innovative approaches to knowledge management and technology transfer. All of which contribute to harnessing capacities in building and designing smart cities that will support human development and economic growth.