John McEntire
It’s no secret that, in our modern world, technology and innovation are key to sustainability. But sustainability efforts across the globe did not escape the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research and development projects were forced to go on hold due to lockdowns, and a resurgence of single-use materials, and disruption to recycling facilities countered benefits from a short-term drop in emissions. However, fueled by economic recovery and with the world’s gaze turning to milestone events such as the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26), sustainability tech is back in the spotlight.
At Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI), sustainability means the protection and restoration of the environment, while balancing economic development and wellbeing. Here are some of the biggest innovation trends to watch for in the years ahead:
1. The Rise and Rise of Electric Transport We’ve all heard of electric cars, but the wider transport sector is set for huge digital transformation over the coming years. Transport accounts for around one-fifth of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and overtook energy production as the world’s biggest polluter a few years ago. But things are changing: aviation, fleet, freight and marine vehicles are all set to benefit from increased accessibility and adoption of electrification technologies and charging infrastructure, or advances in battery technology for example.
The development of intelligent transport solutions is also another good example of how the transport sector is digitizing. The Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC), based at QF RDI’s Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), is the first independent innovations center in the region. Building on its strong R&D capabilities to develop and deploy Intelligent Mobility and Smart Cities platforms and technologies, QMIC aims to enhance mobility efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
2. Agtech Goes Mainstream Agriculture, despite being a vital sector, has the reputation of being one of the biggest global emitters of greenhouse gases, but there are many agtech firms hoping to green-up the industry and positively impact both our climate and what ends up on our plate. Connectivity in this industry can benefit productivity too, with McKinsey & Company predicting that this technology could add $500bn of value onto global GDP by 2030. The COVID-19 crisis has only intensified the drive towards sustainability in agriculture, as backed-up international supply chains have highlighted the need for more local, sustainable sourcing. Soil quality monitors, water management systems, precision pollination, indoor farming and research on dietary changes are just some of the ways that technology is revolutionizing this sector, with our planet front of mind.
3. Pandemic-Led Innovation The pandemic has disrupted our progress and focus on carbon emissions goals and increased the use of single-use materials. But it has also catalyzed many areas of innovation. New cooling technologies are being developed primarily for vaccine transportation and storage, but have multiple applications which may be more sustainable than current options. The drive to digital has increased our reliance on data centers, and the push for more sustainable ways to operate them by using renewable energy or the Internet of Things (IoT). As we continue to emerge out of the COVID-19 storm, there will no doubt be more interesting inventions to come.
Qatar Foundation has launched an electrically-powered tram system that will benefit not just the QF community but anyone who visits Education City.
4. Micromobility – A Not So Micro Trend As our prospects for international travel have temporarily declined, the concept of micromobility has soared, and so have the innovative companies leading this sector – many of which can be found in the MENA region. Globally, McKinsey & Company figures show that the market for e-scooters is predicted to exceed $40bn by 2030, up from $3.7bn in 2019.
Human powered and two/three wheeled electric vehicles have surged in popularity, and are much better for the environment. There are considerable benefits; they have a low cost per use and can positively contribute to the health and wellbeing of the user. In urban areas, micromobility can solve the long-standing problem of an efficient ‘first and last mile’, whilst also addressing congestion issues.
5. Scaling Energy Storage With renewable energy sources such as solar and wind now firmly in the global energy production mix, sights are now set on optimizing energy storage technologies. There is real, tangible innovation happening, with the likes of Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute – a part of Qatar Foundation’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University – and its Energy Storage Portfolio developing safe, reliable, and cost-effective large battery technology that enables the storage of surplus energy and the integration of renewables with grid for residential, commercial and utility-scale usage.
Much of the complexity around energy storage and the management of energy supplies lies in the relationship with smart grids. QSTP partner company, Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, is an innovation center tackling the practical technology challenges related to the digitization of the electrical grid.
Technology is key to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, tackling climate change and protecting our natural resources.
Consistent, strategic visions and sustained funding in this area are crucial to driving research, development, and innovation for us to harness the power of technology and move forward. The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD), another QSTP partner company, is leading the sustainability landscape in the MENA region. Through its R&D efforts and work in areas such as standards setting, green buildings certification, and capacity building, GORD aims to enable low-carbon sustainable growth for present and future generations – an ambition that we should all be aspiring to.
John Taylor McEntire, Director of Industry Development and Knowledge Transfer (IDKT) at Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI) Joining Qatar Foundation in 2013 at the initiation of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office, John was active in the development of QF’s first IP policy and processes. As the Director of the office of Industry Development and Knowledge Transfer (IDKT), John leads a team of IP and commercialization experts to protect and market technologies, find partners and license QF owned IP around the globe. He has led the commercialization efforts on the ICT portfolio – which has been his area of focus for the past 25 years. He also currently serves as the Acting Energy and Environment Commercialization Manager. He has negotiated and executed more than 25 licenses and distribution agreements on behalf of QF entities – HBKU, QCRI and Texas A&M-Qatar with large, medium, small and start-up companies across the globe. Within QF RDI’s structure he is preparing his team to share their knowledge and expertise in leading efforts for a decentralized mode enabling more hands across the QF infrastructure to assist in IP protection and commercialization.
Over his career he has consulted the governments of Japan, Singapore and China on technology transfer and directed the Pacific Rim division for a computer software and hardware distribution company. He has been involved in the initiation of multiple start-ups and has been an advisor to many others. He spent five years in Tokyo, Japan representing, marketing and licensing US business interests throughout Asia.
Prior to joining QF, he was a licensing professional at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for 5 years managing the Laboratory’s information technology intellectual property portfolio. In this role he developed the Lab’s policy around software use and dissemination and led the efforts in protecting and commercializing information technology. At PNNL he developed the first comprehensive software IP policy at a U.S. DOE (Department of Energy) laboratory which has since become a federal laboratory standard and developed a model to handle Export Control review for software invention disclosures. During his time at PNNL he also taught international marketing and international business at Washington State University in Richland, Washington, USA.
Prior to PNNL he was Copyright, Software and Trademark Officer at the University of Illinois for over 12 years. There he initiated the development of the office’s operating plan, a market triage model utilizing interns and the University’s open source software policy. He helped to bridge the gap between industry and university through fostering collaborations.
John McEntire is QF RDI expert. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and MBA from the University of Illinois.
John McEntire is QF RDI expert. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and MBA from the University of Illinois.
