Rutgers, Saudi university ink academic collaboration deal

LOI signed during governor-led economic mission to Gulf Arab States

A New Jersey delegation is on the ground for a weeklong economic mission that will run through Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Gov. Phil Murphy leads the mission, with additional participants including First Lady Tammy Murphy, key administration officials, Choose New Jersey and a slew of industry, government as well as education leaders and stakeholders.

Right off the bat, the trip featured the signing of a Letter of Intent in Riyadh. The governor and Choose New Jersey facilitated the deal between Rutgers University and King Saud University.

According to a press release, the LOI establishes a framework for academic collaboration. Areas covered include public policy, management, business administration, urban planning, city development and more. Officials say the agreement also prioritizes research to support continued development within the Garden State. Additionally, it aims to attract businesses in addition to increased investment in urban areas and downtowns.

Murphy said this collaboration will enhance bilateral academic exchange, as well as open opportunities to support the state’s educational resources and economic growth.

“The future of New Jersey’s economic success is strengthened by our commitment to securing new international relationships,” said Murphy.

Fostering innovation

Choose New Jersey President and CEO Wesley Mathews stressed that collaboration is the key to effective public policy.

“And this Letter of Intent is a commitment by New Jersey to continuously improve our educational resources,” said Mathews.

Rutgers officials echoed that sentiment. They noted that the institution prides itself on developing collaborations that foster innovation, enrich students and enhance learning. Rutgers said it believes that this partnership will offer the sharing of knowledge and strategies to find innovative solutions to challenges both regions face.

“The Rutgers Business School and the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, both nationally and internally recognized, will lead the collaborative initiatives with King Saud University,” said Antonio Calcado, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Rutgers University.

“By exploring academic exchanges with international partners, like King Saud University, we can create educational growth and opportunity through new perspectives, increased understanding, and shared strategies that benefit students of both institutions,” said Amy Towers, chair, Rutgers University board of governors.

Abdullah Althabt is dean of King Abdullah Institute for Research and Consulting Studies (KAI). He said the LOI paves the way for the two institutions to explore future opportunities for collaboration in Executive Master’s and professional training programs aimed at building the capacity of municipal officials across Saudi Arabia.

“This academic partnership was initiated through dialogue between the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and the College of Architecture and Planning at King Saud University,” said Althabt.

Read the full story from NJBIZ here.