Total research income received from industry and commerce partnerships.
Industry Research Income [Statistics] (9.4)
Introduction:
Industry-funded research plays a vital role in strengthening AAU’s innovation ecosystem, expanding applied research capabilities, and enhancing the University’s contribution to national industrial development. In alignment with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) actively collaborates with private-sector companies, industrial institutions, commercial enterprises, and technical organizations to secure competitive research funding, technology-development grants, and sector-specific research investments.
This income directly supports AAU’s strategic focus on applied research, prototype design, industrial testing, digital transformation solutions, renewable energy innovations, electric vehicle technologies, recycling and circular economy systems, artificial intelligence applications, and advanced engineering projects. Industry research income is also enabled through formal agreements with partners such as:
- KIA – Jordan (Electric Vehicles & Automotive Technology)
- Optimum Partners – Jordan (AI & Digital Transformation)
- First Paper & Cardboard Recycling Company (Circular Economy Research)
- Global Academy for Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence (Health-Tech Solutions)
- MARA University of Technology (UiTM) for joint applied research collaboration
These partnerships strengthen AAU’s capacity to deliver research that responds to real industrial needs, supports national innovation priorities, and contributes to Jordan’s economic modernization.
Data Classification and Reporting Methodology
To ensure full transparency and alignment with THE Impact reporting standards, AAU classifies industry research income into the following categories:
- Industrial Research Funding
Income from:
- automotive and electric-vehicle industries,
- renewable energy and power systems companies,
- manufacturing and engineering enterprises,
- recycling and waste-management industries.
- Commercial Research Funding
Income from:
- ICT, AI, and software development firms,
- healthcare and medical technology companies,
- digital transformation service providers,
- consulting and business-development entities.
- Joint Research & Innovation Grants
Income from:
- co-funded research projects with industry,
- collaborative technology-development initiatives,
- specialized research laboratories funded by partners.
- Professional Training & Applied Industrial Services
Income from:
- technical testing, analysis, and lab services,
- EV diagnostics training,
- innovation bootcamps delivered to partner companies.
All data are validated by the Sustainability & International Ranking Center (SIRC) and cross-checked with the Finance Department, the Research & Graduate Studies Deanship, and relevant faculties.
Impact Evaluation & Development Plan
A. Performance Evaluation
Industry research income has directly contributed to:
- establishing new research laboratories and upgrading engineering and digital infrastructure,
- increasing prototype development and supporting university spin-offs,
- strengthening applied learning and hands-on industrial experiences for students,
- expanding joint applied research with national and international partners,
- accelerating AAU’s role as a driver of sustainable industrial innovation in Jordan.
The increase in industry-funded research reflects AAU’s leadership in aligning academic research with real-world industrial needs and national development priorities.
B. Development Actions
Action 1: Expand Industry-Funded Research Programs
Target: 30% increase in industry-funded research income by 2027.
Action 2: Launch Joint Industrial Innovation Labs
Areas: EV technology, AI applications, circular economy, materials engineering. Target: Establish 3 new labs by 2026.
Action 3: Strengthen Research Commercialization Pathways
Target: Convert 10% of industry-funded projects into spin-offs or patents by 2027.
Action 4: Digital Industry Research Dashboard
A public dashboard tracking annual income, partner sectors, and research outputs. Target: Operational by 2026.
Action 5: Regional & Global Expansion
Target: Diversify partnerships to include at least 5 international industry funders by 2028.
Institutional Integration Summary
Industry research income is fully integrated into AAU’s innovation strategy through:
- the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE),
- the Engineering and ICT Laboratories,
- the Research & Graduate Studies Deanship,
- the SIRC,
- industrial partners from key sectors (automotive, AI, recycling, manufacturing).
This integration ensures that industry-funded research enhances innovation capacity, supports infrastructure development, and drives sustainable industrialization in line with SDG9, while contributing to SDG4, SDG8, SDG12, SDG13, and SDG17.
