Title: Innovation capabilities challenges in government organisations: UAE Government as a case study

Authors: Tariq Albluwi; Azura Omar; Rafikul Islam

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Department of Business Administration, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Department of Business Administration, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: This research aims to explore the current challenges facing the UAE government's innovation capabilities. The UAE government currently spends billions of dollars on innovation, yet the scores in the global innovation index did not change dramatically. The research was conducted using a qualitative method, gathering data from different governmental sectors in the UAE, such as health, space, technology, education, water, energy, and transportation. The researchers interviewed 24 participants, analysed 43 public and private documents, and conducted two observations. The data were transcribed and analysed thematically, resulting in identified challenges in innovation for the UAE government in nine areas: strategy, HR, culture, collaboration, R&D, process, financing, marketing, and innovation concept. Examples of these challenges include lack of setting innovation priorities, Lack of employee focus, mismanagement of innovation culture, lack of inter-sector collaborations, Insufficient protection for IPs, Lack of R&D, and overfocus on marketing.

Keywords: innovation; government; capabilities; improvement; challenges; United Arab Emirates; UAE.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2026.150767

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2026 Vol.39 No.1, pp.1 - 19

Received: 30 Dec 2021
Accepted: 23 Oct 2022
Published online: 23 Dec 2025 *

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