JEDDAH: The University of Akron (UA), through The University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF), has been selected as an international partner to work with Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and affiliates of ExxonMobil Chemical, the Technical Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and the Saudi National Industrial Clusters Development Program (NICDP) in Saudi Arabia to establish a world-class elastomer technology vocational training institute. The High Institute for Elastomer Industries (HIEI) will be located in Yanbu. The HIEI will train Saudi high school graduate participants to establish and maintain a highly-skilled workforce for the elastomer conversion industry. The institute will welcome its first class of trainees in September 2012. The UARF and UA have been selected to provide the education and training components of the project. UA's location in the "Polymer Research Capital of the World" provides unique access to resources that will support the training program of HIEI. UA's globally recognized leadership through the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering will be valuable as the institute develops and delivers its workforce training programs. "This partnership represents a significant footprint for UARF Global Ventures and UA's international outreach efforts," said Dr. George R. Newkome, vice president for research, dean of the graduate school and president of the UARF. "The project leverages the expertise of UA's College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering education and materials research to support strategic workforce development for the evolving global rubber conversion market. This initiative helps to strengthen the state of Ohio's global leadership in polymers and advanced materials and utilizes interested local polymer companies." UA is offering "train-the-trainer" instruction in elastomer technology to Saudi engineers and chemists to become HIEI instructor-candidates. The project began in 2008 and is underway with the participants in their second year of training. Upon completion of the program, these participants will return to Saudi Arabia to assume various roles at the HIEI. The HIEI elastomer technology vocational training program is the first global venture of this magnitude for UARF/UA. It offers a range of opportunities to work in close collaboration with international partners in the KSA and follows the path of other leading US universities that have established strategic links with educational allies in Saudi Arabia and across the world. The project serves as an example of how UARF/UA are solidifying their reputations and contributions in the global marketplace. "This international collaboration demonstrates how UA is leveraging its regional strengths to the international marketplace," said UA President Dr. Luis M. Proenza. "It highlights UA's world-class excellence in teaching, research and economic development which positions the Greater Akron area as a global cluster of excellence in polymer/elastomer technology - quickly becoming known as the Akron Model. And, just as the strategies of some countries hold important lessons for the US, so, too, can The University of Akron and other American colleges and universities assist countries around the world in the pursuit of successful science and technology strategies for economic development."
