Innovation: The Institute

"To achieve great things, you need to be brave and pay attention to details, very small details. This is something that I learned the hard way from NASA."
 
Our guide for today on this journey of communal actualization is Dr. Bassam Alfeeli. The Innovation and Enterprise Director at the Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Science (KFAS). Dr. Alfeeli is also the founder of orbital space, the Middle East's first private company to provide access to space through CubeSat technology.

I want to set the stage for this interview by shining the spotlight on three main points of focus for our dialogue:

- The unique human journey of Dr. Bassam Alfeeli
- Explore the complexities of the innovation game, which means Kuwait as the games map and small and large businesses as the players.
- Provide you with insights on the habits of successful innovators and introduce you to some resources to achieve your goals.

References mentioned in this episode:
KFAS Talk on Economic Growth with Ricardo Hausmann
80-20 Rule (Pareto Principle)
Technology adoption life cycle
Richard Feynman Lecture: There's plenty of room at the bottom
QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter

Reach out to Dr. Bassam Alfeeli at:
Instagram @b_alfeeli
Linkedin
Orbital Space

Reach out to broadband at:
Instagram @broadband.podcast
Email aziz@seedsmedia.org
Other Links

Reach out to luucid at:
Instagram @luucidkw
Website luucidkw.com
For guest recommendations Email hello@luucid.co

Transcript

broadband podcast
episode 8 with Dr. Bassam Al Feeli

Innovation with Dr. Bassam Rev B

Aziz: Hello, and welcome to broadband here, broadband. We live by the philosophy that one needs other human beings to teach them how to be human. Our guide for today on this journey of communal actualization is Dr. Bassam Alfeeli  the innovation and enterprise director at the Kuwait foundation for the advancement of sciences.

Otherwise known as KFS. Dr. Josefine is also the founder of orbital space, the middle East first private company to provide access. This space through cubes, that technology the best way to do the best way to describe Dr. Feely is as a polymath and his knowledge spends an expansive range of subjects. I want to set the stage for this interview by shining the spotlight on three main points of focus for our dialogue, 

the first being Darko, feely, and his unique human journey. Next, I want to explore the complexities of the innovation game, which means Kuwait as the games map and small and large businesses as the players. And finally on provides you the listener with insights on the habits of successful innovators and to introduce you to some resources, to achieve your goals without further ado.

Hello, Dr. Feely, how are ya?

Dr. Bassam: Good. How are you? Thank you for having me.

Aziz: Well, thanks for joining the show. Um, So let me start by saying that it's very easy to call you a polymath.

Start of the Journey [00:01:13] From a PhD in micro electromechanical systems to being a visiting scientist at MIT, a director of innovation at KFS, a space pioneer. I mean, the list goes on. Do you remember the first few steps in your long and successful professional journey?

Dr. Bassam: Uh, I always been passionate about space and you know, I had that mindset that if I do well in school, I will get to, space. 

So, fresh out of high school. I know nothing about you know, university ranking system in the U S  but really wanted have the best education but I didn't know where to find it. Um, so my, my choice for the university to go to was based on distance from where the space shuttle was launched. 

So I went to Florida tech because it was the nearest university to NASA Kennedy space center. The U S main gateway to space. My logic then was you know, I would have more chances to be exposed to space technology than anywhere else. 

 I also engaged in some of NASA projects that allowed involvement of students and even visited many of NASA facilities around the U S. Of course being  an international student. The question about security clearance was always there. However, back in the nineties being from a country that does not have a space program was to my advantage  because, there was no threats of transparent the technology. 

I remember one story where I actually applied for security clearance along with two other international students. One was from France and one from China, they were rejected because they were concerned that they might transfer whatever they learned from their engagement with NASA to their countries.

Aziz: That makes sense. I mean, us government was saying, ah, we can, we don't need to worry about Mr. By seven feely because there's no, Please program and Kuwait. 

Dr. Bassam: Yep. Yep. Exactly. Exactly. That's what happened.

Aziz: That's amazing, but I mean, okay. So it's amazing that your drive was so intense to the point where you only thought about going to school based on the distance longitude and latitude from the space launching a platform.

Early Works on Innovative technologies [00:03:27] Right. So that is really cool. But then at the same time, I bet you're around so many new innovations. I mean, you said security clearance. I mean, does that mean you were working on technology that was innovative and mind blowing?

Dr. Bassam: So, during my early twenties as an undergraduate student I learned so much from my interaction with NASA scientists and engineers. You know, and worked several projects 

you know, one project was, you know, back in the nineties you know, it was the launch of the next generation of GPS satellites, and they were looking into technologies that will deliver the satellites to their orbit. And these are some of the projects. I actually got engaged in during such early stage in my life. 

so learned from my experience engagement with NASA, that it is possible to make the impossible possible. witnessed firsthand how space projects are planned and executed. So my way of thinking was greatly influenced by what I have learned. From my engagement with NASA 

the key learning for me was, you know, to achieve great things. You need to be brave and pay attention to details, very small details. And this is something I learned the hard way from NASA. Like they care about even the small bullets and not, you know, big, how small they are. It's just amazing how details oriented there.

The Perfect World [00:04:50]Aziz: And so what does a perfect world from an innovation and technology perspective look like to you knowing that you are so driven by it. so enamored by the world of innovation and technology.

Dr. Bassam: Vision does not come out of nothing. Innovation and technology development requires an ecosystem where multiple and interconnected players such as government. Civil society, the private sector, universities, research centers, individual entrepreneurs, and others. They need to all work Together collectively and effectively to solve problems or create value collaboration and exchange of knowledge and ideas are key to successful effort and value creation. so we need an ecosystem you know, in a perfect world.

Aziz: but let's also kind of set the stage to this, to this platform that is Kuwait, right? Uh, Kuwait can be described in many ways. Two of those ways are a welfare state and then a resource-based economy. So let's break down how these two descriptions affect innovation. Dr. Ofili, how does a welfare state affect the public's desire to push the envelope and drive innovation?

Dr. Bassam: Welfare state as a concept is a noble concept. So in theory, it should drive innovation if it was implemented. Right? However, 

 Some of the policies of front distribution such as subsidizing utilities or providing public employment have resulted in substantial distortion and inefficiencies and institutional deficiencies. Therefore an in our case, a welfare state, has it an adverse effect on innovation? 

Innovation in a Resource based economy [00:06:34]Aziz:  Well, my second description of clay was a resource based economy. So what are some of the limitations of innovation that come from a resource-based economy?

Dr. Bassam: So, you know,  There's nothing wrong with having a resource based economy. If we solve the problem of sustainability, right? Because you can always run out, but if there are multiple sources it's possible to be innovative create an ecosystem  for innovation. 

And this is where, what I wanted to allude to is that in order for. Innovation to thrive and sustain. We need an ecosystem. We need a system where there is supply and demand. 

And then from the supply side we need a strong education system that produces generations with the right mindset for innovation and entrepreneurship. We need productive research institutions capable of exploring a new front two years. And advancing our knowledge 

from the demand side we need government expenditure that encourages and rewards innovations that brings value to the local community, as well as angel investors and venture capital that is willing to take higher risk. Of course, for high, for higher returns.

Knowledge Transfer [00:07:45] Aziz: Right. So KFS the organization and the foundation that you work for is kind of leading the pack in, in trying to have some knowledge transfer through their educational platform. And in 2016, professor Ricardo Hausmann from the Harvard Kennedy school gave a talk at gay Fass in which he States that. You know, you sure education is important, but it's not that education or institutions that drive economic growth, but it's technological tools, recipes, and know-how, which resides in the brain of the people in the society that promote growth 

and just like you were so enamored. And so basically in love technology from a very young age, you realize from a very engaged at that is the name of the game. And that's, what's going to. Blow things up change game  to go to the next level.

Dr. Bassam: You know, the statement, my professor Townsman is true for many nations. However have to use reasonable judgment as not all nations are at the same maturity level. And some nations, I'm not talking specifically about Kuwait, but in some nations, I mean, without proper basic education,  you will not. Know how to use the tools and develop new know-how because, you know, you, you lack the very basic,  um, educational, um, elements.  

You know, in general, and in Kuwait, we are consumers of technology because we have the financial resources. To buy technology. 

For example we have advanced telecommunication infrastructure because we are consumers of smartphones and social media. Not because it was developed in Kuwait. 

Aziz: Right, but I mean, we can afford to buy the latest tools and gadgets but we're not building them here. 

How does KFAS fund [00:09:27] And another point to to what you said before was that we'll need venture capitalists and angel investors and other funds to help support the sector. So how does KFS fund the small and large businesses?

Dr. Bassam: So when we say KFS fund companies we should be clear that KFS funds specific projects and initiatives that could build an enhanced, the scientific and technological capabilities of companies in Kuwait.

Aziz: I see. So when we say funding, we're more talking about grants for specific research and projects. 

Dr. Bassam: exactly. So canvas provides incentives for companies to carry out R and D activities. And the way we do that is we do it with what we call a co-funding grant scheme, where KFS takes a significant amount of the risk. By providing financial grants, but the company should also invest such project demonstrate their seriousness and commitment to develop their own R and D capabilities.

Of course the amount of the grant depends many factors, including the size of the company, the nature of the business activities, and also the maturity level  

Aziz: right. And so you work with startups, you work with large businesses alike and I'm assuming you have diverse portfolio of pain points. 

Pain Points of businesses [00:10:49] What are some of the pain points that both these large and small companies share between them?

Dr. Bassam: So, I would say limited talent pool. It is difficult in Kuwait to find skilled and talented people. Another thing is stifling laws and regulations. It is understood that laws and regulations are made to protect the public good, unnecessary over regulations or in flexibility to accommodate. New ideas can have a damaging effect businesses. 

Um, Also lack of reliable data to make informed decisions most of the data available or either outdated. Not reliable or incomplete. Um, Another point is limited business opportunities and of course, small market, these are main pain point that I've seen that those across different segments private sector, whether large corporations small businesses.

80/20 principle [00:11:48] Aziz: and I can see here all these small pain points kind of add up and create  really big, massive one. And the Pareto principle States that for many outcomes, roughly 80% of the consequences. Come from 20% of the causes. 

So, what is the 20% of change that would make up 80% of the difference in a business's ability to quickly respond to an evolving market?

Dr. Bassam: I believe if we managed to update 20% of our laws and regulations, it would have a significant impact. On company's abilities to cope with challenges, face all the time. And this I've been hearing from large companies to small startup businesses. If there is anything we can do it would be to update laws and regulations.

Intermission [00:12:33]

Aziz: Hey guys, this is the part of the podcast where people usually tell you to buy this product or subscribed to this service, but we don't have any sponsors yet. So we'll sell ourselves. Instead. We have four simple asks one, please subscribe. If you haven't already. To share the podcast, share it with your friends, share with your family and share it with a stranger. Start a conversation, three, check out the show notes. You can find all the references that we've already made and are about to make on there. And for engage with us on Instagram and email, enjoy the rest of the show.

People's Resistance to Change [00:13:05] social scientist, Everett, M Rogers developed the innovation adoption lifecycle and to the listeners who are not familiar with this illustration, it's a sociological model that describes the adoption or the acceptance of a new product or innovation.

And he found that 2.5% of the population were considered innovators. 13.5% were early adopters while the majority of the people in the population make up, what's known as the late. Majority and the laggards and that's 50% of the population. So just like, government bodies might have a difficulty in changing or apprehension to change.

It seems like the population at large also has this apprehension to change. So, Dr. Feeley, what is your theory on the reason behind people's apprehension and resistance to change?

Dr. Bassam: So resistance to change or originate from fear of the unknown. People are uncomfortable with change, especially Southern changes. Yeah, as they don't know how to deal with the new situation however, slow and gradual change well as clarity of the path forward resistance significantly.

So, smelly because they don't know what's going to happen next. When they see change.

Aziz: Right. Yeah, I definitely understand. And the, everyone can see that from a personal level as well. I mean, you see friendships and in relationships and based on like sudden changes someone getting a promotion, someone leaving the country, et cetera. So I completely understand it from that perspective. And I think once you kind of.

Because a lot of people live life. I mean, everyone lives life through their own paradigm. And once you start to break down these big concepts into like your own personal life, I think you can easily start to kind of see eye to eye with that with them.  

So . Chasing innovation does come with its laundry list of risks and uncertainties.

Mitigating Risks [00:14:57] I mean, so what are some of the fail safe measures that a business or pioneers can implement to ensure that they stay afloat? Even if their innovative idea isn't received well by the police.

Dr. Bassam:  You have to your homework before you start your endeavor with innovation. Also Don't assume things make decisions on reliable data and real evidences. 

Um, Also, you can start with small steps. And assess the situation. If all is going well, then you can start taking bigger steps slowly and then assess again. And so on. so you take it step by step and this way you can minimize risks because you know, you will see it it's working or not. Before you making the next investment, whether it's in or money.

Also pay attention to red flags and alarms things. Don't just fail. All of a sudden there's always warnings proceeding, catastrophic failures. So just pay attention what's happening in your business or in your project. And you can avoid failures.

Aziz: Yeah. 

Convincing Companies to invest on R&D [00:16:02] And that all comes from R and D and that's something that you've already stressed multiple times during this conversation. And KFS stresses it often, but is it difficult to convince local businesses to create an R and D department or focus and fund R and D.

Dr. Bassam: can't emphasize how important R and D is crucial to the sustainability of business without the capability to generate and utilize new knowledge. The business will not grow and eventually it will be disrupted by others. Now the question how easy to convince it's not easy to convince local businesses about the importance of R and D, but it is possible.

I think the best way is we need to showcase local success. The stories of how some companies benefited from R and D projects. And without real examples, it will be very difficult for them to believe

Why start Orbital Space [00:16:58] Aziz: And you're a person who walks the walk as well as talking the talk. So what drove you to get your hands dirty and start your own disruptive business in orbital space?

Dr. Bassam: well. I would say there are two main reasons. One is I would call it or labeled as selfish reason, and one is selfless pleasing the selfish reason, because I wanted to realize my dream of having a space program in Kuwait.

The selfless reason is I wanted to experience firsthand the pain points faced by tech startups in Kuwait. Because in my role at KFS will not truly serve the segment. Unless I witnessed their challenges and obstacles myself. 

so for that reason decided start orbital space, of course, this puts my business at a disadvantage since it cannot get KFS support to conflict of interest.

It's ironic that my role at KFS is to offer. Interventions that makes it easier for businesses to work with advanced and sophisticated technologies. However orbital space is not allowed to benefit from such opportunities. like offer water to thirsty people, but I cannot drink from this water. Even though I'm also thirsty.

Aziz: That is honestly almost poetic. And it seems to me that it's more selfless than selfish because of that point. Leaps of faith [00:18:22]

So, so I mean, that's amazing. Um, So . You've had other leaps of faith before in that you pursued an academic discipline. In micro electromechanical systems and nanotechnology that is unique and far from common in our society and economy. So how challenging was it to make that leap?

Dr. Bassam: It wasn't hard at all. I wasn't driven by job market opportunity, so it was not like I'm trying to figure out okay. Which discipline shouldn't go to guarantee me a job. When I get my degree I was not aiming to work for the oil and gas sector at all. I was driven by my passion to learn about advanced technologies.

plan was not to fit in. Within what is available in Kuwait. I wanted to be the pioneer who established such advanced sectors in Kuwait. And enjoy my role at CareFirst because is aligned with my life goals and objectives, which is to diversify the economy encouraging the establishment of a technologically advanced sectors.

How to be unique [00:19:27] Aziz: And so how can the current and future generations be motivated to be unique? Be a pioneer. I spend the extra hour in the lab and put in the work necessary to grow and innovate.

Dr. Bassam: You know, people usually disencouraged from doing something. If they don't understand it. Or don't see its value. So, to motivate the future generation, we need to explain in very simple and easy to understand way the process for innovating. 

We need to communicate clearly the difference between, you know, you know, what's innovation, what's, uh, inventions. We need to explain that ideas can be harnessed. With tools for ideation. We need to give examples of how value is created 

you know, once they master the skills and tools to innovate, they will spend extra time and effort to realize their dreams. We all have dreams we all want to make them happen. However, you know, most of us. Just don't know how to go about it.

 I think if we that clear and easy to understand we can see a lot more in time and effort from the younger generation in coming up with new things.

Aziz: So it all goes back to education and driving that point through and is expanding your paradigm, expanding your knowledge and transferring that knowledge from one generation to another. 

How to Motivate Employees in Large Institutions [00:20:56] Uh, you've Also got a depth of experience in working with large institutions that you know, at times kind of force employees to practice bureaucratic gymnastics. So how can the employee maintain a strong drive and not be demotivated by the gravity of larger institutions?

Dr. Bassam: The key point is to work in an institution that you truly believe in its vision and mission. The alignment between your own and beliefs. end, the institution would ensure a strong drive, no matter what the challenges and issues are. And I've seen it in my at KFS, you know, working at care for us is very challenging.

And unless you truly believe in KFS mission and vision, you will get tired and eventually leave. And I've seen many people leave FSP because of that. 

Aziz: And so the lessons learned that I just learned from you answering those two questions is okay. Try to maintain a balance and create a system to maintain that balance and believe, truly believe in the mission statement and be inspired by the vision so that you can continue to work those long hours.

Boom, 

Dr. Bassam: Yeah. Otherwise, know, if you don't believe, then should to somewhere else. This is not the right place for you.

Habits [00:22:09] Aziz: definitely. Okay. And so, do you have any books? It could be fiction or nonfiction that were resource of inspiration for you to have that critical thinking.

Dr. Bassam: I was inspired by the books of Richard Fineman. He's an American scientist developed quantum. Two dynamics and got the Nobel prize for it. He's also known for nanotechnology with his famous lecture. There is plenty of room at the bottom. also he worked on the investigation of NASA space, shuttle, challenger disaster.

 You know, don't be by, you know, his work as a physicist or a scientist in working in, advanced technologies actually in many of his books. Um, but in, in a very simple way, that's easy to understand and it's very inspiring.

And I guess it's obvious that five minute and I have shared a common interest and when it comes to nanotechnology space and quantum mechanics but the main thing that we both enjoy is  pleasure of figuring things out, you know, that moment you need that aha moment that you figure something is just you know, very rewarding 

 Aziz: really is. And I am honestly addicted to that aha moment. And that's why, what drives me to have these conversations, because I've already had like three aha moments from this conversation alone. So thanks for that. Um, okay. 

And to add to your point with Richard Fineman a really good book to start with is QED. And it's like you said, Very simple to read, very short to read, you know, you're not going to like spend hours and hours reading it. And it's a really great introduction to quantum mechanics the world down at the bottom. 

Important Message to the audience [00:23:42] So what's an important message that you want our audience to take away from our discussion.

Dr. Bassam: So you know, yes, we do have weak ecosystem and this is something that discussed when it comes to innovation in Kuwait. But it can be  strengthen F. There is a will and seriousness changing the current situation. No, we should all contribute to changing this negative loop into a positive feedback loop.

will not be fixed on its own. It is our responsibility  from his or her position to pave the way for the future generations. The same way that the previous generations paved the way for us. You know, it is our responsibility as citizens fix the issues and challenges that we face as a nation.

 Aziz: Those are the best words to end with Dr. Feeley. Thank you so much  for joining the dialogue and for giving us some amazing insights, . Yeah. And hopefully the next Kuwaiti student that applies for security clearance at a space agency in the States will be rejected because of this. So.

Dr. Bassam: Well, hopefully by then we have our own space program, so we don't need

Aziz: Exactly. Again, Dr. Philly, thank you so much for joining the conversation. We appreciate every single insight you shared in our discussion. Again, you're amazing. We appreciate you and I am so grateful to know that we have a person like you here in Kuwait. And thanks for joining the call.

Dr. Bassam: Thank you for the opportunity.

Outro [00:25:08]

Aziz: This podcast will now be possible without your support. So please subscribe to our podcast, share it with your friends and family. Check out the show notes for any references made and engage with us on Instagram and email. Thank you.