The identified areas are:
- Energy supply and alternative energy technologies
- Energy efficient building systems and processes
- Sustainable water production and utilization
Arab countries began economic reforms to stimulate private investments and to support the transition to a market economy. These reforms have also emphasized the redefinition of national and regional research strategies, and the introduction of quality assurance in educational institutions. These discussions have affected energy education and research in universities to be directed towards addressing local and regional problems, the need for developing students’ critical thinking skills, and to be more innovative if universities are to enhance the expansion of the green energy and green technology markets in the Arab world. The development of renewable products, the availability of research funding, and the offering of green education will lead to accelerated development, affordability, and the adoption of sustainable practices in the areas of energy, manufacturing, and water production.
The private sector and universities are to respond to a new urgency in preparing skilled green labor for the green energy market, building, and products. There will be a growing demand for trained personnel in green technologies with a deep understanding of integrated approaches to building design from concept to actual construction, to alternative energy generation methods, and to techniques for safe water production and re-use. It is timely for universities to extend their learning community to professionals who are not only degree seekers, but who also need to acquire new skills to grow their green businesses, and to meet the evolving green market demand in energy, buildings, and water. Many professionals are interested in specific specialization and would like to have the flexibility of acquiring knowledge in a less structured method due to their work commitments. The introduction of green technology certificate programs would be a highly needed professional education system to support and build capacity in areas of specialization that are identified as fastest research and market growth areas for employment.