The Kingdom of Bahrain is actively fostering a culture of innovation within its public sector, and the recent selection of 12 concepts for the final stage of the seventh edition of the Government Innovation Competition, known as Fikra, is a testament to this commitment. This initiative aims to not only streamline government processes but also to directly address the needs and aspirations of Bahrain’s citizens and residents through creative solutions. The competition highlights Bahrain’s dedication to modernizing its services and driving national development.
What is the Government Innovation Competition (Fikra)?
Fikra is a nationwide competition designed to encourage and reward innovative thinking amongst government employees. It’s a crucial component of Bahrain’s broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its public services. The program isn’t simply about generating ideas; it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement and problem-solving within the government workforce.
The competition’s core objective is to identify and implement solutions that can positively impact the lives of people in Bahrain. This includes improvements in areas like finance, employment, environmental sustainability, education, healthcare, and citizen engagement. By empowering government employees to contribute their ideas, Fikra aims to create a more responsive and citizen-centric public sector.
A Rigorous Selection Process
This year’s competition saw a total of 40 innovative concepts submitted. The evaluation process was designed to be thorough and impartial. Participants were given the opportunity to present their ideas to four distinct committees, each comprised of experienced experts and specialists in relevant fields.
A lottery system was used to assign teams to committees, ensuring fairness and preventing any potential bias. Each team was allotted a concise three-minute window to articulate their proposal, followed by a detailed assessment based on pre-defined criteria. This focused presentation format demanded clarity and conciseness, forcing participants to highlight the core value and feasibility of their ideas. The high number of submissions underscores the growing enthusiasm for government innovation within Bahrain.
The 12 Qualifying Concepts for Fikra 2024
After careful deliberation, the four committees selected the following 12 concepts to advance to the final stage of the Fikra competition:
- Savings and Investment Program: (Ahmed Ridha Sanad, Ali Khalil Ebrahim Fadhul, Abdulla Ali Sultan Alshamlan – Ministry of Finance and National Economy) – A program designed to promote financial literacy and investment opportunities.
- Ata’a – The National Giving Platform: (Ahmed Saleh Mejairan – Labour Fund (Tamkeen)) – A centralized platform to facilitate and encourage national charitable giving.
- Floating Oases: (Bassam Mohammed Alshuwaikh – Supreme Council for the Environment) – An innovative approach to creating sustainable green spaces in a marine environment.
- Smart Employment Advisor: (Jalal Jaafar Maki – Ministry of Legal Affairs) – A digital tool to provide personalized career guidance and job matching services.
- Rahma: (Salamah Hashel Zayed Alkobaisi – Ministry of Finance and National Economy) – A compassionate initiative focused on supporting vulnerable segments of the population.
- Takamul: (Captain Abdulla Waheed Almannaei, Alaa Ahmed Albalooshi – Ministry of Interior) – A collaborative platform to enhance security coordination and information sharing.
- Secondary Education Curriculum Enhancement: (Abdulla Mohamed Abdulla Badow – Ministry of Education) – A plan to modernize and improve the relevance of the secondary school curriculum.
- Tameni: (Ali Husain Darwish, Maha Majeed Almaarej, Narjes Yusuf Sabt, Fatema Ateya Alaradi – Government Hospitals) – A system to improve patient care and streamline administrative processes within hospitals.
- Annual Leaves Exchange Platform: (Mohamed Ebrahim Alhasan, Asma Naser Almosawi, Noof Ali Fakhro – Information and e-Government Authority (iGA)) – A digital platform allowing government employees to exchange unused annual leave.
- Wasalt: (Manal Ali Alhashemi – National Communication Centre) – A communication solution aimed at improving internal and external information flow.
- Tawazun: (Maha Bader Abdulla Bader Alsada, Ahmed Hasan Abdulrahman Bucheeri – Social Insurance Organization & Nayla Musaad Matar – Ministry of Industry and Commerce) – A program to promote work-life balance and employee wellbeing.
- MindForward: (Walaa A.Hadi Ahmed Albaqali – Government Hospitals) – A mental health initiative focused on providing support and resources to healthcare workers.
The Focus on Diverse Sectors
The range of concepts selected demonstrates the breadth of innovation in the public sector within Bahrain. From financial programs and environmental solutions to healthcare improvements and employee wellbeing initiatives, the finalists represent a diverse spectrum of government functions. This wide-ranging participation is a positive sign, indicating that the spirit of innovation is permeating all levels of the Bahraini government.
The Final Stage and Public Vote
The qualifying teams will now face the ultimate challenge: presenting their concepts to a distinguished jury comprised of ministers. This final presentation will be a critical opportunity to showcase the potential impact of their ideas and secure the coveted winning title.
Adding an exciting element of public engagement, the competition will also feature a “Public Vote,” allowing citizens and residents to voice their support for their favorite concept. This inclusion of the public ensures that the winning idea truly reflects the needs and priorities of the community. The winner of the Fikra competition will receive recognition and support to implement their innovative solution, further contributing to Bahrain’s ongoing development.
In conclusion, the seventh edition of Fikra is a resounding success, showcasing Bahrain’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation within its government. The 12 qualifying concepts represent a diverse range of solutions with the potential to significantly improve the lives of citizens and residents. The final stage, including the ministerial jury and public vote, promises an exciting culmination to this important initiative, solidifying Bahrain’s position as a leader in public sector innovation in the region. We encourage everyone to learn more about the concepts and participate in the public vote when available.
