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Introduction

By the dawn of the third millennium, the city profile began changing challenged by the great socio-economic transitions imposed by the technological revolution and globalization. This has been realized so clearly in the spread of Information & Communication modern technologies such as the internet. The vast developments in this field deeply affected the method of global communication. This also caused appearance of new economic modes such as the 'knowledge-based economy' which relies on concepts of production and exchange of knowledge as a major economic product. It is attributed to the potentials of competitive characteristic of knowledge-based economy on cities that 65 of them around the Globe declared their adopting urban development programs that depend on knowledge- based economy, aiming to be transferred into "knowledge cities".

A knowledge city is the one that depends on Knowledge-Based Economy and possesses advanced means for facilitating knowledge to its citizens, who should be linked to the cities through communication and information technology; the one that provides a wide range of public libraries and educational, cultural and social facilities guided by a central strategy of education; and it is the city that respects the diversified cultures of its citizens and provides them with adequate know-how and tools that enable them participate effectively in establishing the knowledge community.

Significance

This symposium is organized to shed light on the issue of transition of cities into the economy that depends on knowledge, especially that they are challenged by variables of globalization and the digital revolution. The significance of the symposium stems from the need to exchange expertise and experiences among cities in the field of production and dissemination of knowledge. The symposium is an opportunity to review and utilize the most recent applications for the development and enhancement of provision of services and easy procedures in cities.

Objectives

□       To shed light on the importance of Knowledge-based Economy in achieving competitiveness among cities.

□       Review the available solutions and alternatives for the development of knowledge   production and dissemination process.

□       Determine the applicable steps needed for transition into Knowledge-based Economy.

□       Define the challenges and difficulties that face cities in their endeavor to depend on Knowledge-based Economy.

□       Exchange international best practices and experiences among participants.

□       Review the latest developments in the field.

Themes and Topics

Theme I: Knowledge-based Economy:

The concept of Knowledge cities is the most progressing modern dimension in knowledge- based economy where human advancements do not rely on acquiring quantities but rather on partnerships, for the future human innovations. This theme focuses on the basic concepts of knowledge cities and on the factual status of cities in light of the new variables.

Theme II: The Role of Technology in Building Knowledge Cities:

ICT revolution, the knowledge epoch and smart societies, are terms derived from the advancements in digital systems and technology. Now their role has appeared in re-inventing the economic concepts which include the change in the profile of cities and communities. This theme will focus on presenting the role of tools and means of ICT techniques in establishing Knowledge Cities.

    Theme III:  The Institutional Transition and Building Knowledge & Human Capitals:

The mankind element is considered most important in the knowledge system components as the knowledge management concepts depend on re-structuring knowledge and human experiences in systems with clear structural characteristics, utilized to recycle and reproduce knowledge. At the same time, the change factor dominates the institutional conduct of organizations that wish to make use of knowledge as a valuable asset.

    Theme IV:   Partnership for Development:

The private sector has been and is still pioneer in the techniques of ICT and has a major role to play in partnership for development. Several cities and international organizations are adopting the concept of partnership to support the development activities at their local communities. This theme will focus on the potential mechanisms for building effective partnership between the private sector and the civil community institutions in establishing knowledge communities in cities.

     Theme V:    International and Regional Experiences:

Several cities and institutions have started adopting and developing special strategies for knowledge management as well as the concept of knowledge transition which aims to transfer their communities into smart ones and their cities to knowledge cities. The symposium will devote this theme to reviewing international experiences with the aim of learning and disseminating the best practices in this field.

Organizers:

l        Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI), the scientific arm of Arab Towns Organization.

l        Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP)

In collaboration with

l        Shah Alam City Council, Selangor, Malaysia

l        Al-Madina Al-Munawara Municipality, Saudi Arabia

Conference Content:

• Referred research papers.
• Open discussions among participants.
• Workshops and thematic breakout groups.
• Experiences and best practices of cities, municipalities, and regional and international institutions.

Targeted Audience:

• Mayors, senior officials in cities, municipalities, and relevant government agencies.
• Experts, researchers and specialists interested in the theme of the symposium.
•  International organizations and public and private institutions interested in the theme.

Date And Venue:

The Symposium will be held during the period 16 -18 July 2007 in Shah Alam City, Malaysia, (corresponding to 2 - 4^th  Rajab 1428H)

Symposium Languages:

Arabic, English and Malay, simultaneous translation will be provided

Correspondence:

Arab Urban Development Institute

P.O. Box 6892 Riyadh 11452

Saudi Arabia

Phone + 966 1 480 2555

Fax     + 9661 480 2666

Email: info@araburban.org

Website: www.araburban.org