O2K News 2020
O2K Limited and T&M Associates sign Memorandum of Understanding
O2K Limited (O2K) and T&M Associates (T&M) have announced a new cooperation agreement to mutually engage on Global Business Development and EVAP© – Economic Value Add Programs, including In-Country Value and Offset Projects.
O2K and the T&M Associates have a shared objective of leveraging EVAP© to benefit the post COVID 19 economy, which includes developing initiatives and opportunities for Micro and SME’s to survive and thrive. This MoU provides for continued strengthening of future cooperation between O2K and T&M Associates in achieving common goals benefit the post COVID19 economy for the betterment of all.
O2K Limited provides business development advisory services and specializes in EVAP™ – economic value – add program identification, strategy development and implementation, including offset. O2K clients include OEM’s, academia, governments, parastatal organizations, and companies that technologies and capabilities in a variety of industry sectors including defense and aerospace, healthcare, hospitality, oil and gas and automotive.
T&M Associates a technical and marketing consulting firm, has developed and implemented economic development programs globally for over 20 years. T&M Associates has developed a revolutionary model to generate bespoke economic development programs that leverage expenditures to drive short- and long-term growth of economic ecosystems. T&M Associates is the only company that has led the development and execution of three of the most successful Local Content/Value Add programs in the oil and gas industry, Combined these programs have delivered tens of thousands of new jobs, billions of dollars in new investment, increased participation by small and medium enterprises in the oil and gas supply chain, and increased training and capacity building for nationals.
“We are pleased to be partnering with O2K to offer innovative economic development and food security solutions in UAE,” said Dr. Maria Beug-Deeb, CEO and President, T&M Associates. “This unique collaboration draws upon our global experience, private and public sector relationships, local business understanding, and the knowledge needed for success.”
There is a need and opportunity to use EVAP© to help mSME’s in the post COVID 19 economy, secure more procurement opportunities from government and large corporate clients, said Kim Schofield, Managing Partner, O2K Limited. “We look forward to working with T&M Associates for the benefit of mSME’s, our mutual clients and the betterment of the post COVID 19 economy.”
Space Foundation Launches the Center for Innovation and Education
Workforce Opportunity in the $415 Billion Space Economy Accessible to All People
- A workforce development roadmap
- Successful pilot entrepreneurship programs for students and adults
- Call for corporate members, partners, sponsors, grantors and donors
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — May 27, 2020 — Space Foundation, a 501(c)(3) global space advocate for 37 years, today launched its Center for Innovation and Education to create and deliver inclusive, innovative and sustainable workforce development and economic opportunity programs for the rapidly growing $415 billion global space economy. Hear Tom Zelibor, CEO, Space Foundation, introduce the Center for Innovation and Education at www.spacefoundation.org/cie/.
“Every person on planet Earth can find a place in the space economy, regardless of the present state of the job market,” said Zelibor. “The space industry has remained one of the most resilient business sectors throughout the COVID-19 crisis. With 80% of business coming from private enterprise, and ample time for building awareness and skills, a rare opportunity exists to solve the workforce shortage and drive innovation forward in the space economy.”
Center for Innovation and Education presents a constellation of workforce development and economic opportunity.
Space Matters
Space, once considered the final frontier and only accessible to a select few, is now home to the most dynamic and innovative economy on the planet. Today, every community, infrastructure and aspect of modern life is acutely dependent on or indirectly affected by space-related technologies. These innovations span all industries, including telecommunications, health and medicine, public safety, agriculture, and consumer goods — impacting societies and regions across the globe.
Space technology also plays an essential role in the global economy. With more than 80 nations operating in the space economy, the market is estimated to grow to $1-3 trillion within the next 20 years. No longer dependent on government agencies or highly skilled scientists and engineers, space innovation now thrives through the collaborative work of public and private companies, academia, startups and entrepreneurs. Ongoing space developments will be key to solving the most pressing issues of our time and ensuring a healthy, sustainable future.
No Better Time to Be a Part of the Space Economy
While opportunity abounds, the space industry faces a workforce shortage, skills deficit, and space technology innovation gap. Without manpower — laborers to entrepreneurs to STEM experts — and continual career upskilling to enable the commercialization of space technology innovations, the full potential of the space economy will not be realized. Statistics and analysis from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the U.S. Census Bureau, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the American Action Forum all forecast significant shortages in workers and needed skills.
With pandemic-driven unemployment reaching millions and growing, there now exists a viable pipeline of workers who represent all demographics and skill sets who could fill these gaps. A unique opportunity exists to raise awareness, share knowledge and provide training to prepare workers for space-related jobs, particularly as many must now spend time at home.
Similarly, millions of students are home from school. This presents a window of opportunity to inspire future space workers and instill a culture of lifelong learning. Multimodal and blended learning platforms can serve as effective training mechanisms, starting with students and spanning an individual’s entire career.
A Workforce Development Roadmap to the Space Economy
As a global steward and convener of the world’s space community, Space Foundation unites and facilitates collaboration across the entire spectrum of stakeholders from the global space community — business, government, education and local communities. Its Center for Innovation and Education brings these constituencies together in partnership, sponsorship, fundraising and grants to serve the entire life cycle of the workforce — students, young leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals.
The Center for Innovation and Education operates according to its Workforce Development Roadmap, which lays out initiatives for building the professional workforce of today as well as the next-generation workforce of tomorrow. It follows five core disciplines designed to combat the obstacles standing in the way of building a qualified space workforce:
- Awareness of space impact and the economic opportunity
- Access to jobs, careers and business ventures for all people
- Training for lifelong learning of sustainable skills
- Connections to a vast space network of people, businesses and resources
- Mentorship of young leaders to be next-generation role models
To learn more about the Center for Innovation and Education, visit www.spacefoundation.org/cie/, and register for on-demand access to a complimentary detailed e-book at www.spacefoundation.org/cie-ebook/.
Entrepreneurship Programs Reveal Early Signs of Success
To date, the Center for Innovation and Education has piloted two successful programs through vital partnerships with public and private enterprises, government agencies, universities and local communities:
- Space Commerce Entrepreneurship Program – Funded primarily by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, Space Foundation conducted workshops in nine cities for 275+ minority entrepreneurs and small businesses. Spotlighting the program’s early success, one small business has signed multi-million-dollar deals, and other space scholars are progressing through engagements in the space community.
- Junior Space Entrepreneur Program (JSEP) – Supported by Lockheed Martin, NASA and Junior Achievement, a successful pilot program for 26 teachers from 16 states led to the first student entrepreneur program in early 2020 for 50 public high school students. This program won recognition in the Fast Company World Changing Ideas award competition.
Call to Action: Corporate Members, Partners, Sponsors, Grantors and Donors
Space has never been more important. It unites and inspires people around the globe, and the Center for Innovation and Education is committed to helping people find their place in the space economy. With unemployment high and schools closed, this mission is even more critical.
“Space Foundation has spent the last three decades developing and collaborating with the largest global network of space professionals in order to conduct world-class training and research,” said Shelli Brunswick, COO, Space Foundation. “We rely on corporate members, partners, sponsors and grantors to support our efforts to deliver services to the global space community. TheCenter for Innovation and Education can take these assets and apply them to build today’s professional workforce and a strong pipeline for the future.”
To learn more about supporting Space Foundation and contributing to its impact on the workforce development and economic opportunities in the space economy, visit www.spacefoundation.org/join-us/.
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit space advocate for the global space community. Through a partnership model, its Center for Innovation and Education unites the entire spectrum of global stakeholders, including public and private businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and local communities, to serve the entire life cycle of the workforce, from students and young leaders to entrepreneurs and professionals. Best known for its annual Space Symposium, attended by 15,000 space professionals from around the world, Space Foundation also publishes The Space Report, its quarterly authoritative guide to research and analysis of the space industry. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Space Foundation’s Discovery Center offers rich programming on-site and online for teachers, parents and students. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Tags: Space Foundation, Center for Innovation & Education, space economy, space commerce, workforce development, space technology, space innovation, workforce shortage, skills deficit, lifelong learning
Media Contacts:
Chief Operating Officer
Space Foundation
HQ: +1.719.576.8000
F: +1.719.576.8801
M: +1.310.567.5465
SPACE FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS | 4425 ARROWSWEST DRIVE |COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80907 USA
We inspire, educate, connect, and advocate for the global space community.
Abu Dhabi details measures to shore up economy and support businesses amid global coronavirus impact
Emirate unveils 16 new initiatives aimed at backing the private sector, focusing on start-ups and SMEs
The directives include:
- Allocating Dh5 billion to subsidise water and electricity for citizens, and commercial and industrial activities.
- Subsidising electricity connection fees for startups until the end of 2020.
- Exempting all commercial and industrial activities from Tawtheeq fees for 2020.
- Allocating Dh3bn to the SME credit guarantee scheme managed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to “stimulate financing by local banks and enhance SME’s ability to navigate the current market environment”.
- Allocating Dh1bn to establish a market maker fund, to enhance liquidity and sustain balance between supply and demand for stocks.
- Settling all approved government payables and invoices within 15 working days.
- Suspending bid bonds and exempting startups of performance guarantees for projects up to Dh50 million.
- Reducing industrial land leasing fees by 25 per cent on new contracts.
- Suspending real estate registration fees for 2020.
- Waiving current commercial and industrial penalties.
- Exempting commercial vehicles from annual registration fees to the end of 2020.
- Exempting all vehicles from traffic tariffs and road tolls to the end of 2020.
- Suspending tourism and municipality fees for tourism & entertainment sectors for this year.
- Offering up to 20% rebate on rental values for the restaurants and tourism and entertainment sectors.
- Establishing a new committee headed by the Department of Finance, with members from the Department of Economic Development and local banks to review lending options to support local companies.
O2K News 2019
O2K Limited moderates 2 key European Space Agency Panels at NSE Expo Forum
NewSpace Economy European Expo Forum, Fiera di Roma, Rome, 12 December 2019: O2K Limited moderates 2 key European Space Agency panels, focused on “Challenges and opportunities in the global space markets: an industrial perspective” and “Business Opportunities for European Space Industry in the UAE”.
O2K Limited is a business development advisory specializing in economic value-added programs (EVAP), including offsets. “The growing global space market is impacting all areas of the UAE economy, embracing all of our sectors, including, academia, manufacture, research, services and infrastructure” said Kim Schofied, Managing Partner of O2K Limited.
Schofield further emphasized the potential for both the UAE and European Space Sectors in collaboration and joint initiatives within the total Space Supply Chain.
“The Business Opportunities for European Space Industry in the UAE Panel” in deep discussion….
The Panels included Mohammed Al Beloushi, Chief Executive Officer, Bayanat– Mapping & Surveying LLC; ; David Peel, Regional Director, Northrop Grumman UK, European and Middle East; David Claridge, Director, Corporate Offset Management Leonardo S p A; Anas Zeineddine, Executive Director, Krypto Labs; Didier Manzoni, Deputy CEO, GM Space, VP of the Swiss Space Industry Group and Mauro Marzocchi, General Secretary of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UAE & GGC.
The ESA hosted a visit to ESA-ESRIN their the European centre of excellence for exploitation of Earth observation missions for the Panalists able to attend.
“I cannot thank you enough for arranging the official visit to ESRIN and its Earth Observation Center which was spectacular and gave me a thorough understanding of ESA mandates and the endless exposure to the benefits of EOC” said Mohammed Al Beloushi, Chief Executive Officer, Bayanat– Mapping & Surveying LLC.
Space Foundation signs MoU with O2K Limited to Explore UAE, MENA Opportunities
NewSpace Economy European Expo Forum, Fiera di Roma, Rome, 12 December 2019: The Space Foundation and O2K Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the NewSpace ExpoForum in Rome, Italy, to jointly promote Space-focused STEM outreach and related B2B opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
O2K Limited is a business development advisory specializing in economic value-added programs (EVAP), including offsets. “There are over 60 Countries with EVAP requirements and developing EVAP programs that further develop the space industry will have an immeasurable impact on our environment and the quality of Life of our planet”, said Kim Schofied, Managing Partner of O2K Limited.
After signing the MOU, Space Foundation CEO, Tom Zelibor shared, “The Space Foundation is always seeking partners that want to expand access and opportunity in the space community. This first step with O2K Limited starts a path to extending the rewards of space technology, research, technologies and investments to a region with enormous possibilities.”
Space Foundation CEO Tom Zelibor and O2K Limited’s Managing Partner, Kim Schofeld sign an MOU between their organizations to explore opportunities in the UAE, MENA Region and the global space community
Zelibor further elaborated, “With the continuing growth of the global space economy and its impact across every infrastructure and career path, there is a need to create a sustainable talent pipeline that is prepared for the future. Our emerging relationship with O2K Limited will allow us to explore those paths and opportunities.”
In the ensuing months, the Space Foundation and O2K Limited will initiate a plan of action leveraging their respective networks in the UAE, MENA Region and the global space community to define programming and investments that address new business opportunities and offset requirements.
About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the world’s premier organization to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community.
It is a leader in space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium. Space Foundation headquarters is in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, and has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere®, and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center.
The Space Foundation has a Washington, D.C., office, as well as field representatives in Houston and on the Florida Space Coast. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space Certification™ and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit both website — www.SpaceFoundation.org and DiscoverSpace.org — and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
O2K Limited moderates "Unlocking Value from Space Technology and Enabling Industry Benefit" at Dubai Air Show 2019
Duabi Air Show, 18 November 2019: O2K Limited moderates a ” Women in Space – Tech Talk” at the Dubai Air Show, The Talk focused on:
- Supporting the development of technology innovation with space policy,
- Developing space industry standards to increase transparency
- Unleashing the potential of technology transfer to accelerate major sectors: healthcare, aviation, telecommunication and agriculture.
O2K Limited is a business development advisory specializing in economic value-added programs (EVAP), including offsets. “The growing global space market is impacting all areas of the UAE economy, no more so than the Space industry, embracing all of our sectors, including, academia, manufacture, research, services and infrastructure” said Kim Schofied, Managing Partner of O2K Limited.
O2K participates at Women in Space Conference, at the Dubai Air Show
The Panels included Geraldine Naja, Head of Industrial Policy and Auditing Department, European Space Agency; Lucy Edge, Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Applications Catapult; Dr Michaelyn Thomas, Head of Affordability, Virgin Orbit; Naser Al Rashedi, Director of Space Policy & Regulations, UAE Space Agency; Shelli Brunswick, Chief Operating Officer, Space Foundation.
“It was truly an honor to engage with some of the most accomplished, pioneering women in the aerospace industry” O2K’s Managing Partner – Kim Scholfield
AmCham Abu Dhabi Announces Newly Elected 2019-2020 Board of Directors
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. – AmCham Abu Dhabi held its 2019 Annual General Meeting at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers on June 12, where the members of the 2019-2020 Board of Directors were elected and the new amendments to the Constitution were announced. On July 1, 2019 the following individuals will assume roles as Board Officers and Members-at-Large for a one year term that will expire June 30, 2020.
Board Officers:
- Chairman: Jay Huston, General Manager, Orbital ATK Middle East L.L.C., Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Defense Systems Group
- Vice Chairman: Alan L. Davis, Chief Executive, Raytheon Emirates Ltd.
- Treasurer: Frank Conway, Senior Advisor, Mubadala Investment Company
- Secretary: Charles Laubach, Partner, Afridi & Angel
Members-at-Large (alphabetical order):
- Steve Abdenour, Chief Operating Officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
- Nasser Al Osaiba, Managing Partner, Abu Dhabi Global Advocacy and Legal Counsel
- Elissar Farah Antonios, Chief Executive Officer, Cluster Head for Levant & Iraq, Citibank – U.A.E.
- Leslie Bellas, Consultant – Environmental Programs, RTI International
- Yvette L. Campbell, Institutional Advancement Director, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
- Rula Dajani, Country Director, AMIDEAST U.A.E. Michael Dishman, Senior Managing Director, Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Oshkosh Defense
- Mike Hanlin, F-16 Program Manager – Middle East & North Africa, Lockheed Martin Global Inc.
- Christian Lenoble, President & U.A.E. Lead Country Manager, Exxon (Al Khalij) Inc.
- Kim Schofield, Managing Partner, O2K Ltd.
- Dareen Zoughbi, Senior Director, Eastern Growth Markets, GE Healthcare, General Electric
The Annual General Meeting was kicked off with opening remarks by Executive Director Liz Beneski. Chairman Sharief Fahmy provided the Call to Order and an overview of AmCham Abu Dhabi. Following his remarks, Board Committee Chairs reported on their accomplishments over the last 12 months. The committees included Finance, Programs, Women in Business, Roundtables, U.S. – U.A.E. Public Affairs, Legal Affairs, Membership and Arts, Culture & Education. In addition, the 2019 Membership Directory was unveiled.
Sharief Fahmy, AmCham Abu Dhabi Chairman 2016 – 2019
