Bahrain Knowledge Bay. Using Design Thinking to Establish an Infrastructure Towards Knowledge Economy

Design Thinking is a human centered methodology used to develop innovative solutions for complex problems, and it has been recognized as a flexible, collaborative platform to help solve intricate social and economic difficulties. This research paper addresses the possibilities of using design thinking as a methodology and a tool to help establish an infrastructure towards a national knowledge economy. The center stage of this endeavor is the country of Bahrain being ready to embrace such a concept to be the backbone of the country’s growth strategy. Hence the Bahrain Knowledge Bay [BKB] was established as a human centered community system designed to support both individuals and companies, not only to share and/or benefit from the provided knowledge, but also to strategize on how to fill the gaps between what is existing and what is needed in the areas of Design, Entrepreneurship, Vocational Education, and R&D. BKB aims to spearhead the way towards new development of a forward-thinking hub which would be both, open to international ideas and simultaneously deeply rooted in its surroundings.