Saudi Arabia Partners with Thomson Reuters to Become Knowledge Economy by 2025

LONDON, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology selects Thomson Reuters solutions to advance scientific research, foster innovation and encourage technology transfer internationally

The Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters, the world's source of intelligent information, announced today in partnership with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), an independent Saudi Arabian scientific organization reporting to the Prime Minister, that KACST selected Thomson Reuters as a partner of scientific and patent information, analytical insights and services for the Saudi Arabian national science agency (KACST).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120321/NY73234)

KACST coordinates with government agencies, scientific institutions and research centers to foster research and exchange information and expertise. Saudi Arabian government officials aim to establish the Kingdom as a science-centered economy capable of creating unique technologies and achieving sustainable economic growth through international collaboration and an innovative National Strategic Plan.

KACST selected several Thomson Reuters solutions that provide essential, foundational tools for the support of its National Science, Technology and Innovation Plan (NSTIP), evaluating universities' and institutes' research performance indicators, as well as empowering cutting-edge research. These solutions include drug pipeline data, patents, scholarly citation information and custom reports utilizing advanced analytic capabilities.  As a critical component of Saudi Arabia's drive to become a knowledge-based economy, Thomson Reuters and KACST are also facilitating a program to expose the Kingdom's intellectual property to the global scientific and business communities.

"KACST is at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's plan to reinvent itself as a knowledge-based economy over the next 15 years, and our partnership with Thomson Reuters is critical to the Kingdom's success in becoming an innovative nation with competitive advantage," said Dr. Alswailem, vice president of research support, KACST. "The high quality research environment hosted by KACST is complemented by the high quality scientific data, tools and services from Thomson Reuters, thereby creating a unique platform upon which we can support and recognize the Kingdom's contribution to the global scientific community. Over time, the collaboration will make a positive impact on both research and the outcomes of research, enabling the Kingdom to lead in regional scientific challenges which impact economic activity and community well being."

"We are pleased to work with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in support of its mission to transform the Kingdom into a global leader of science and technology," said Chris Kibarian, president of the IP & Science business of Thomson Reuters. "Thomson Reuters is uniquely positioned to offer a holistic solution that addresses scientific, patent and other needs of practicing researchers and portfolio planners; we are thrilled to be part of this historic milestone in Saudi Arabia."

Jon Brett-Harris, executive vice president of the IP & Science business for Thomson Reuters, added, "We appreciate the confidence that KACST has put in our organization and look forward to working closely with them to implement the solutions developed as part of this partnership."  

For more information on the science and patent solutions from Thomson Reuters, go to http://www.thomsonreuters.com/science.

For more information on the work of KACST, go to http://www.kacst.edu.sa/en.

About KACST

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is an independent scientific organization administratively reporting to the Prime Minister. KACST is both the Saudi Arabian national science agency and its national laboratories. The science agency function involves science and technology policy making, data collection, funding of external research, and services such as the patent office. For more information, go to http://www.kacst.edu.sa/en.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, go to http://www.thomsonreuters.com.