Experts Shape Future of Qatar’s Public Sector Innovation via Inaugural ‘Ibtechar Majlis’

A top official of a Doha-based tech-focused company has reiterated calls for the establishment of a multi-layered Public Innovation Lab (PIL) ecosystem for the benefit of the country’s public sector.

“Qatar has an advantage as a small country. Having a hybrid model of a Public Innovation Lab, with a centralised and decentralised aspect, brings significant value to a state of its size,” Nayef al-Ibrahim, co-founder and CEO of Ibtechar, explained as the company launched its inaugural ‘Ibtechar Majlis’ dialogue series yesterday.

Earlier, the company proposed its PIL concept in a white paper titled ‘Imagining a Public Innovation Lab for Qatar’, a central PIL to accelerate cross-government priorities, complemented by hybrid ministry-level labs that build capacity and deliver tangible solutions within sectors.

 This two-pronged approach ensures strategic alignment with national goals, faster piloting and scaling, and stronger cross-ministry collaboration.

The inaugural ‘Ibtechar Majlis’ gathered senior government representatives, academia, and innovation experts to explore the development of a PIL ecosystem that would help to further improve efficiency, service delivery, and encourage greater citizen participation.

Al-Ibrahim moderated the discussion of the panel, which comprised Eman al-Kuwari, director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); Dr Georgios Dimitropoulos, professor and associate dean for Research at the College of Law, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU); Hissa al-Tamimi, director of Governmental Innovation Department at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB); and Nejoud M al-Jehani, executive director of Strategy & Programmes at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council.

The panellists examined practical approaches and global best practices across two domains: government and public innovation. Participants aligned on working definitions and shared how their respective organisations are shaping Qatar’s innovation landscape. 

They also highlighted Qatar’s strong regulatory framework, citing examples, such as the cryptocurrency ban and the early adoption of an AI strategy, as evidence of the country’s active role in fostering innovation and its impact on economic development.

Concluding the discussion, al-Ibrahim said: “Innovation requires persistence; it is a long-term journey, and achieving a true cultural shift takes time. We need a Qatar National Innovation Day: a day when the public sector, private sector, communities, students, and professionals unite to celebrate innovation.

“We have witnessed the impact of National Sports Day over the years; imagine what we could achieve in five to seven years if we came together annually to celebrate innovation, encourage experimentation, and share knowledge.”

He added: “The new Ibtechar Majlis series is yet another example of the organisation’s enduring commitment to supporting Qatar’s transition toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

“Reflecting Qatar’s strategic priorities, Ibtechar Majlis directly advances Qatar National Vision 2030 by enhancing public service delivery in line with the vision’s human and social development pillars, while fostering innovative, efficient institutions that underpin sustainable economic prosperity.”