About Deanship of Applied Research and Innovation

Fostering innovation, applied research, and enterprise excellence across Bahrain Polytechnic.

About the Deanship of Applied Research and Innovation (DARE)

Bahrain Polytechnic is committed to nurturing a culture of applied research and enterprise activity throughout the institution that is aligned with the Bahrain National Research Strategy, that contributes to the professions and industries that it serves, and that supports and enhances teaching and learning within the institution. As a learning organization, Bahrain Polytechnic is continuously updating its academic practices through engagement and conducting research with industries and stakeholders. Therefore, Bahrain Polytechnic is keen to be involved in applied research and innovation activities to provide the best human and technical solutions to industrial institutions and enterprises.

The Deanship of Applied Research and Enterprise (DARE) at Bahrain Polytechnic is committed on fostering innovation, applied research, and entrepreneurial activities within the institution. Its primary objective is to promote applied research initiatives that contribute to the development of Bahrain’s economy and society. Bahrain Polytechnic is known for its focus on practical, and career-oriented education. DARE supports this by promoting and overseeing applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship projects. DARE aims to connect Bahrain Polytechnic with businesses and organizations in Bahrain and internationally. It is responsible for creating an environment that encourages for conducting applied research with practical applications. It involves setting research priorities, technology transfer office, allocating resources, and providing support services like training and workshops, reviewing proposals, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines, managing budgets for research activities, organizing conferences, facilitating research internships, connecting researchers with potential industry partners, helping researchers secure patents, supporting the development of spin-off companies based on research breakthroughs, funding for proof-of-concept projects, organizing hackathons, creating maker spaces where students can experiment with new technologies, incorporating research projects into curriculums, organizing student research symposiums, and offering research fellowships

Applied Research and Enterprise Activities include but are not limited to

Applied research: Original investigation undertaken to acquire new knowledge. It is directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective.

Experimental development: Systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, which is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.

Scholarship: Work intended to expand the boundaries of knowledge and understanding within and across disciplines through the analysis, synthesis, interpretation and publication of ideas and information making use of a rigorous methodology

Creative Work: The invention and generation of ideas, hypotheses, images, performances or artefacts (including design) in any field of knowledge, leading to the development of new products, knowledge, understanding or expertise.

Consultancy: Work which involves the deployment of existing knowledge and the application of analytical and investigative skills to the resolution of problems presented by a client, usually in an industrial, commercial or professional context.

Enterprise Activity: The process of creating and developing economic activity by blending risk-taking, creativity and/or innovation that is underpinned by sound management.

Definition of Applied Research

Applied Research at Bahrain Polytechnic refers to the systematic inquiry that seeks to solve practical, real-world problems through the application of existing scientific knowledge, theories, and methodologies. This type of research focuses on translating theoretical concepts into tangible solutions and innovations that can directly benefit industries, communities, and society at large. It is typically driven by specific objectives, such as improving processes, developing new technologies, or enhancing the application of existing tools and systems. Applied Research at Bahrain Polytechnic will be collaborative with Industry, aimed at addressing challenges encountered in sectors contributing to Bahrain’s economy and may be interdisciplinary.

Dean’s statement

Philippe-Pringuet-big

A welcome note by the Dean of Applied Research and Enterprise

Welcome to Bahrain Polytechnic. It is a pleasure to have you join our community of scholars, innovators, and change-makers. As you embark on your postgraduate journey, you are not only advancing your academic and professional skills, but you are also engaging in research that has the potential to make a real-world impact.

At Bahrain Polytechnic, we emphasize the importance of applied research—research that bridges the gap between theory and practice and that responds directly to the needs and challenges of the real world. We encourage you to explore how your work can solve practical problems, enhance industries, and contribute to the social and economic development of Bahrain and the wider region.

One of the unique opportunities you will have here is the chance to collaborate with local industries and contribute to projects that are driving innovation and growth. Our partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations provide a rich environment for impactful research. As you engage with industry leaders, you will gain insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities for shaping the economy. These collaborations will not only enrich your academic experience but also strengthen the connections between our research and the needs of the communities we serve.

The role of research and development (R&D) in fostering economic growth has never been more critical. Applied research is a key driver in advancing Bahrain’s ambitions for a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Your work—whether in technology, sustainable engineering, FinTech or other fields—will play an important part in shaping the future of the nation. By developing solutions to contemporary challenges, you will contribute to the growth of industries that are vital to Bahrain’s economy and to the global innovation landscape.

As you navigate your studies, keep in mind that the impact of applied research extends far beyond the classroom or laboratory. It is a powerful tool for creating positive change, whether in improving business practices, advancing public policy, or addressing pressing societal issues. Your research has the potential to transform ideas into tangible outcomes that can improve lives and drive sustainable development.

This handbook provides key information to support you in your academic journey, from research resources to industry collaboration opportunities and career development services. We are committed to providing the guidance, mentorship, and infrastructure you need to succeed and to maximize the impact of your research.

I encourage you to embrace the challenge of applied research and to seize every opportunity to make a difference. Through your work, you will not only advance your own academic goals but also contribute to the collective knowledge and growth of both your field and our society.

Wishing you every success as you embark on this exciting and impactful journey.

Sincerely,

Dr. Philippe Pringuet, Dean of Applied Research and Innovation

Applied Research Strategy

Mission

To innovate, enhance, and deliver the multidisciplinary research and sustainable innovative solutions in the fields of information and communication technologies, engineering, business, web media and education to enable the achievement of excellence in research.

Vision

The Bahrain Polytechnic aims to be a world class research institution for applied research and innovation to lead the scientific advancements.

Values

Learning, Innovation, Excellence, Sustainability

Goals

Strengthen and improve the research infrastructure to create a supportive research environment for Polytechnic’s research community.
Enhance and improve the applied and basic scientific research outputs (aligned with national research priorities).
Develop national and international research partnerships.

Applied Research & Innovation Org Chart

Applied Research and Enterprise Committee

The Applied Research and Enterprise Committee provides advice and counsel to the Deanship of Applied Research and Enterprise for the development of applied research and entrepreneurial activity at the Polytechnic. The committee is responsible for facilitating research, innovation, and enterprise policies in line with the Polytechnic’s strategic goals.

Functions

Advise the Academic Council on matters related to research and innovation in accordance with the Academic Council’s roles and responsibilities.
Build up research systems, processes, and capacity.
Develop and review the Polytechnic’s research, innovation, and enterprise policy and strategies.
Enable and encourage research within the Polytechnic consistent with its mission and regional and national strategies for research and enterprise.
Develop and review guidelines and procedures regarding internal resource allocation for research and advise on the most effective utilisation of the Polytechnic’s facilities and expertise.
Determine and apply performance indicators to the Polytechnic’s research activities.
Conduct internal and external reviews related to research and enterprise.
Formulate, monitor, and further develop the Polytechnic’s policy about intellectual property rights, patents, copyrights, trademarks, technology transfer licensing, consultancy.
Advise on legal, ethical, and safety issues about research projects.
Monitor compliance with the Polytechnic’s rules and regulations for awarding postgraduate degrees.
Liaise with other subcommittees of the Academic Council and relevant external institutions, as required.
Carry out any or all such functions as may be assigned to the subcommittee from time to time by the Academic Council.
Provide research consultation services.
Manage enterprise initiatives through.
Establish industrial applied research partnerships.
Provide recommendations to the Deanship for Applied Research and Innovation in the interests of strengthening the research culture at the institution.

Applied Research and Enterprise Activities include but are not limited to:

Applied research: Original investigation undertaken to acquire new knowledge. It is directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective.
Experimental development: Systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, which is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.
Scholarship: Work intended to expand the boundaries of knowledge and understanding within and across disciplines through the analysis, synthesis, interpretation and publication of ideas and information making use of a rigorous methodology
Creative Work: The invention and generation of ideas, hypotheses, images, performances or artefacts (including design) in any field of knowledge, leading to the development of new products, knowledge, understanding or expertise.
Consultancy: Work which involves the deployment of existing knowledge and the application of analytical and investigative skills to the resolution of problems presented by a client, usually in an industrial, commercial or professional context.
Enterprise Activity: The process of creating and developing economic activity by blending risk-taking, creativity and/or innovation that is underpinned by sound management.

Definition of Applied Research

Research Policy

Bahrain Polytechnic’s policy on research is specified in the document Research and Scholarly Activities A/AB/013. Associated procedures cover ethics approval, and publication/presentation approval.