SITES CEO Leonardo Piccinetti Co-Authors New Study
Sustainable Innovation Technology Services Ltd (SITES) is proud to announce the publication of a significant new research article, “Climate Change Readiness in Arab Universities: Policy Paths for the Future of Climate Action”.
The paper, published in the Journal of Business and Management Sciences (2025, Vol. 13, No. 5) , is co-authored by our CEO, Leonardo Piccinetti , and an international team of researchers, including Donatella Santoro of REDINN.
The Challenge: A Region at Risk
The study addresses the severe climate crisis facing the 22 countries of the Arab region. This area is uniquely vulnerable due to its arid climate, limited freshwater resources, and reliance on climate-sensitive sectors. With rising temperatures and increasing water scarcity already disrupting socio-economic development, the need for effective, sustainable solutions is urgent.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The paper examines the pivotal role that universities can play as key institutions of knowledge and research in driving climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Using a combination of PEST analysis, expert surveys, and Policy Pathways Mapping, the research identifies several key barriers preventing universities from reaching their full potential, including:
- Inadequate funding
- Fragmented research efforts
- Weak integration of climate action into university policies
To address these challenges, the study proposes strategic policy pathways designed to empower universities. Key recommendations include:
- Fostering Regional Collaboration: Establishing dedicated climate research hubs and sustainable financing to unify research efforts.
- Integrating Climate into Education: Embedding climate literacy and sustainability into educational frameworks and curricula across all disciplines.
- Promoting Green Campuses: Adopting sustainable practices for campus operations, including renewable energy and waste reduction.
- Strengthening Community Engagement: Building partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and businesses to ensure climate action is inclusive and benefits vulnerable populations.
This research provides a comprehensive, coordinated approach to align higher education institutions with critical climate action frameworks. SITES is proud to contribute to this evidence-based roadmap, reinforcing our mission to connect science, technology, and sustainable innovation to build a climate-resilient future.
We extend our congratulations to all co-authors for this vital work: Mohamed Ramadan A. Rezk, Leonardo Piccinetti, Donatella Santoro, Nahed Salem, Trevor Uyi Omoruyi, Mohammed Mahgoub Hassan, and Alaa A. El-Bary.
Read the full open-access article:
