Building Bridges in Engineering: SKRC and the Iraqi Engineers Union Sign Strategic MoU
Göteborg, Sweden – August 10, 2025
The Swedish Knowledge and Research Centre (SKRC) and
the Iraqi Engineers Union (IEU) have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) that sets the stage for a dynamic partnership in training,
research, and professional development.
This agreement marks a significant milestone, not only for
the two organizations but also for the broader engineering and research
communities across Europe and the Middle East.
A Shared Vision for Knowledge and Capacity Building
The Iraqi Engineers Union has long served as the principal
body representing Iraq’s engineering community. With a membership that spans
across disciplines and regions, IEU has been instrumental in setting
professional standards, providing technical training, and safeguarding the
interests of Iraqi engineers. It plays a critical role in rebuilding national
infrastructure, nurturing talent, and supporting Iraq’s modernization efforts.
SKRC, on the other hand, has emerged in Sweden as a platform
for research, innovation, and international collaboration. With
initiatives spanning Europe, the MENA region, Africa and the Gulf, SKRC focuses
on connecting researchers, engineers, and institutions in order to accelerate
development through knowledge transfer.
Over the time, SKRC has introduced advanced training
programs, supported academic and industrial research projects, and worked to
establish digital platforms that make knowledge more accessible.
By joining forces, IEU and SKRC are aligning their
strengths: the professional reach and grassroots influence of IEU in
Iraq with the international expertise and research-driven
approach of SKRC in Sweden.
Scope of Collaboration
The MoU outlines an ambitious framework designed to:
- Deliver
certified training programs across diverse engineering fields,
tailored to meet the needs of both early-career engineers and senior
professionals.
- Provide consultation
and advisory services to support infrastructure development,
research initiatives, and policy-making in Iraq’s engineering sector.
- Facilitate joint
participation in conferences, seminars, and academic forums, ensuring
that Iraqi engineers are actively represented on international stages.
The first year of the partnership will focus on launching
training programs and establishing the publishing portal. These initiatives
will provide tangible benefits from the outset, setting the foundation for
longer-term projects in research collaboration, innovation-driven ventures, and
exchange programs.
Importance of the Collaboration
This agreement arrives at a crucial time. Iraq, with its
pressing need for infrastructure modernization, renewable energy development,
and technological upgrading, requires a strong, well-trained engineering
workforce.
Meanwhile, Sweden continues to lead in research-driven
innovation, sustainability, and advanced engineering methodologies.
By combining these strengths, the partnership aims to:
- Empower
Iraqi engineers with globally relevant skills and tools.
- Promote
innovation by making international research and knowledge
accessible.
- Strengthen
institutional cooperation, ensuring Iraq’s engineering community has a
reliable partner in Europe.
- Create
a sustainable bridge between Nordic expertise and Middle Eastern
development needs.
Voices from the Leadership
Eng. Thulfiqar Hoshi Al-Makssousi, President of
the Iraqi Engineers Union, emphasized the importance of the agreement for
Iraq’s engineers:
“Our partnership with SKRC will give Iraqi engineers access to training, tools, and international perspectives that are vital for our country’s future. This collaboration is more than an MoU; it is a commitment to equipping our engineers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
Dr. Eng. Azmi Al-Eesa, Chairman and Founder of SKRC, described the collaboration as a landmark in the Centre’s mission:
“At SKRC, we believe that knowledge is most powerful when it crosses borders. By collaborating with the Iraqi Engineers Union, we are creating a sustainable framework that empowers engineers, fosters innovation, and connects two regions with immense potential for cooperation.”
Looking Ahead
The SKRC–IEU partnership is designed to be long-term and
evolving. Over the next three years, the collaboration will grow beyond
training and publishing, expanding into areas such as joint research
projects, student and professional exchange programs, and advisory
roles in national infrastructure initiatives.
For SKRC, this partnership represents another step in its mission to act as a Nordic–MENA R&D bridge, advancing global cooperation in knowledge and research. For IEU, it reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the capacity of Iraqi engineers, ensuring they are well-prepared to lead Iraq’s modernization journey.
About IEU
The Iraqi Engineers Union (IEU) is the
national professional body representing engineers across Iraq. With a diverse
membership, IEU supports professional training, advocates for engineers’
rights, and contributes to the nation’s development by advancing technical
expertise and innovation in engineering.
About SKRC
The Swedish Knowledge and Research Centre (SKRC) is
a Sweden-based research centre, dedicated to advancing knowledge and
innovation. Through training, research collaboration, and cross-border
partnerships, SKRC serves as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East,
Africa and GCC, supporting institutions, professionals, and researchers in
achieving global impact.