Abstract
The proposed study seeks to support the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 by conducting research relevant to the creation of knowledge in UAE research environments. It will examine the organizational characteristic of the UAE research environment and the relations between these characteristics and research performance. Prior research identifies a variety of individual level characteristics that are known to relate to research performance. Increasingly, organizational characteristics are also identified as key determinants of research performance. Employing a traditional empirical based survey method, supported by publically available sources of research outputs, the current study will collect data from UAE based researchers on the characteristics of their research environment, while also controlling for individual characteristics such as gender, age, career stage, and field of research. It will then examine the relationship between these variables and research performance to determine the drivers and barriers of effective research and knowledge generation in the UAE. The total population of researchers in the UAE will be compiled through publically available information sources, such as University Websites and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Databases. The total identified population will then be sampled electronically, with data being statistically analysed to determine the relations between research performance and key individual and organizational characteristics. Appropriate statistical analyses including SEM, ANOVA and Linear Regression will be applied to examine hypothesised relations. Findings will be presented in respect to the identified relations between key variables and the implications of results for UAE's aspirations for a diversified knowledge economy.