Samar Al Salem to Gulf Tech News: Investing in Talent Is the True Driver of Digital Transformation and Innovation
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation and innovation agenda, Salam continues to strengthen its investment in human capital as a strategic pillar for sustainable growth. The launch of the company’s second Research & Innovation Centre in Al Ahsa reflects this commitment by creating an ecosystem that empowers Saudi talent, nurtures emerging innovators, and transforms creative ideas into practical technology-driven solutions.
In this exclusive interview with Gulf Tech News, Samar Al Salem, Chief Human Resources Officer at Salam, discusses the company’s long-term vision for talent development, the role of its Research & Innovation Centres in preparing the next generation of innovators, and the critical technical and human skills that will define the future workforce. She also explains why Salam believes that while technology is a powerful enabler, people remain the true force behind innovation and digital transformation.
Salam recently announced the opening of its second Research & Innovation Centre in Al Ahsa. What does this expansion represent within the company’s broader human capital development strategy?
The opening of our second Research and Innovation Center represents an extension of Salam’s human capital development strategy, which is built on creating a sustainable ecosystem to identify, develop, and empower talent to help shape the future. This expansion is not merely a geographic one; it reflects our belief that innovation should be accessible to everyone and that opportunities should reach all regions of the Kingdom, not just major cities.
At Salam, we believe that developing talent is a responsibility that extends beyond the company to supporting and empowering the next generation of Saudi innovators. Through our Research and Innovation Centers, we provide an environment that nurtures ideas, develops skills, and gives participants the opportunity to transform their ideas into impactful innovations while showcasing their capabilities at both the local and international levels. The success of our first center demonstrated the value and impact of this model, encouraging us to expand and establish our second center in Al Ahsa.
Salam often emphasizes that innovation starts with people. How does the company translate this belief into practical initiatives and programs to develop Saudi talent?
At Salam, we believe that innovation begins with people, which is why we strive to be a hub for talent, both within and beyond the company. This belief is reflected in initiatives and programs that target a wide range of audiences, from school and university students to graduates and employees, through workshops and development programs that combine knowledge building, practical application, and the development of innovation and problem-solving skills.
We have also designed graduate programs that go beyond meeting our own recruitment needs. These programs contribute to preparing Saudi talent capable of competing and contributing across various sectors, reflecting our belief that our responsibility extends to supporting the Kingdom’s broader human capital ecosystem, not just Salam. Today, we are proud that many participants in these programs have gone on to hold distinguished positions across different organizations, demonstrating that Saudi Arabia is rich in exceptional talent that simply needs the right environment to thrive.
How does investing in talent development support Salam’s long-term strategy, particularly as Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation journey?
Investing in talent development is one of the key pillars of Salam’s long-term strategy, as it ensures the development of capabilities that can keep pace with technological advancements, drive innovation, and support the company’s sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving sector.
Digital transformation is not driven by technology alone—it starts with people who can harness technology and turn it into valuable solutions. No matter how advanced technology becomes, it remains a tool, while human talent remains the true driver of innovation and change.
With this in mind, we focus on developing talent equipped with knowledge, a mindset of continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to change. This strengthens Salam’s readiness for the future, enhances its competitiveness, and enables it to continue delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers and the market.
The new center is built around three core pillars: training workshops, a fabrication lab, and a research & study unit. How do these components work together to prepare the next generation of innovators?
The center was designed in collaboration with the college based on a shared vision of preparing a new generation of innovators through an integrated learning experience that combines knowledge, practical application, and research. We believe this model provides the ideal framework for developing future innovators.
The training workshops provide participants with the necessary knowledge foundation, while the fabrication lab enables them to transform ideas into functional prototypes. Meanwhile, the research and study unit allows participants to further develop, test, and measure the impact of their solutions through a structured scientific and analytical approach. Together, these components create a complete innovation journey that starts with an idea, progresses through design and implementation, and continues with ongoing refinement and improvement.
What differentiates this model from traditional training programs offered by educational institutions or companies?
What sets this model apart is that it goes beyond simply transferring knowledge—it focuses on developing an innovation mindset by transforming participants from passive learners into solution creators. Rather than learning in an isolated theoretical environment, participants work on real-world challenges inspired by societal needs and develop ideas and innovations aimed at creating meaningful impact.
The model also integrates learning, research, and practical application into a single experience, allowing participants to test and refine their ideas using the latest technologies. This provides an experience that closely reflects real workplace environments while enhancing their readiness for the future.
The center focuses on AI, robotics, and emerging technologies. Which skills do you believe will be most in demand over the coming years?
We believe the future will require more than just technology specialists, it will require individuals who can apply technology to create meaningful impact. Therefore, alongside technical skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), we believe human skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to continuously learn and adapt will become increasingly important.
We believe the greatest value will come from individuals who can combine both technical and human skills, as the future belongs to those who can continuously learn, adapt to change, and transform knowledge into practical solutions that address the needs of society and the labor market.
