This book discusses the rapidly growing interest in economic diversification through partnerships between industry, university and government (IUGP), with a focus on the economic diversification of the state of Qatar. It provides a comparative account of the knowledge ecosystem in the USA, Norway, Singapore and Qatar, and offers an evolutionary, national economic-transformational perspective on legislation, institutional and cultural settings, intermediary structures, and support programs. Providing a broad overview of the knowledge ecosystems in these countries, it is suitable for readers at various learning levels. It also includes case studies and a concise comparison of the Global Innovation Index (GII) of the four countries, and explores in detail the under-par comparative performance of Qatar, revealing that the country is still at the engagement level of IUGP. Further, it proposes evidence-based recommendations and strategies, making it a valuable resource for researchers, graduate students and policymakers.

Waqas Nawaz got his PhD degree in Sustainable Energy from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar, and is currently pursuing a second doctorate in Management (Strategy) at Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada. In addition to six years of research experience, Waqas has worked in the industry and service sector for four years. He received various awards and grants in recognition of his excellent academic and professional achievements.

Muammer Koç has been professor of sustainability at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar, since 2014. Between 2000-2014 he held professor, director, chair and dean positions at different universities in Turkey and the USA. His research interest focus on product/process/business innovation and development, medical design and production, computer-aided design and manufacturing, modern manufacturing technologies, manufacturing system design, material forming plasticity, and the mechanical behavior of materials. In addition to his academic activities, he provides consulting services to industry, government and educational institutes for strategic transformation, business optimization, organizational efficiency, and lean operations.