Perspectives On Technological Development In The Arab World

Technology Transfer and Change in the Arab World covers the proceedings of the Seminar of the United Nations Economic Commission for Western Asia. The book presents 24 papers that cover concerns in technology transfer in the Arab world. The coverage of the book includes established patterns of technology acquisition in the Arab world; possible mechanisms for the transfer and development of technology; and the transfer of technology and investment policy design. The selection also presents articles that cover resource related technology such as water science and technology in the Middle East since 1945; induced adjustment and the role of agriculture in economic development; and prospects and scope for solar energy. The book will be of great interest to individuals concerned with the technological development in the Middle East.

'Middle East' (West Asia) perspectives on technology innovation leadership bring new voices to the technology innovation discourse in international development. The approaches of technology innovation leaders in this collection demonstrate commitment to building sustainable futures among the communities in which the authors live. There is a scarcity of technology innovation perspectives from within 'Middle East (West Asia) perspectives and the initiatives and endeavours of the innovation leaders in this book have global appeal. Other developing community innovators are inspired to compete globally as they explore future oriented sustainable innovation solutions that are context specific. Innovation and technology leadership in areas such as e-government and e-commerce are national priorities for countries such as Saudi Arabia. While there is a dense literature available on innovation diffusion in other developing community contexts (for example South Asia, the Asia Pacific region, Africa and Latin America), this book fills the gaps in the literature on 'Middle East' (West Asia) perspectives on innovation technology diffusion in developing community contexts.

Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economic Growth in Arab Countries explores fresh approaches to STI policy formulation and implementation in the region, with applications to developing countries elsewhere. Developing useful contexts for studying Arab policies about science, technology, and innovation requires trustworthy data and judgment. Omar Bizri brings together both in this book. Data from sources such as the World Bank, UNESCO, the International Telecommunication Union, Nature, Science and recent surveys and policy formulation initiatives anchor this study among national initiatives that focus on essential needs, including safe water and food production, renewable energy utilization, and job and enterprise creation. For those eager to understand the challenges of STI capacity building, this book explores the many connections between technological change and economic growth. Presents and analyzes data about past, current and proposed efforts aimed at STI capacity building in Arab countries Emphasizes demand-driven policies for promoting rapid infrastructure and endogenous STI capacity building, as well as job creation Explores ways to enhance STI capacity building efforts through community-based and national initiatives Includes data from sources such as the World Bank, UNESCO, the International Telecommunication Union, Nature, Science and recent surveys

From automobiles, electronics, and plastics, to software development or clothing, many goods and services today are provided via global supply chains. Instead of carrying out everything from research and development (R and D) to delivery and retail within a single country, many industries are dividing this process into stages or tasks (or "fragments") that are then undertaken in many countries. Global supply chains have spread widely across both industries and countries. The global restructuring of production has led to faster growth in trade, new patterns of trade, and new benefits from trade. This book examines the evolution, and the effect of global supply chains on the U.S. The book also describes how U.S. manufacturers in the 21st century are taking advantage of services in new and innovative ways to manage global supply chains, cut costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen customer relationships. (Imprint: Nova)

This book is the first major account of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Arab higher-education sector. It provides an update of the current situation and advances reasons for the under-performance of Arab universities in international ranking tables and the weaknesses of Arab economies. Specific proposals are made for upgrading curricula and assessment procedures as well as providing an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurial behaviour. The roles of university-based technology and business parks are examined, with examples of successful business partnerships in the Arab region, Europe, and North America. Opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship have never been greater with the wealth of rapidly developing transformative technologies that are driving the international knowledge economy. This book puts forward proposals for the management and exploitation of intellectual property, and for establishing businesses.

The wave of protests and populist uprisings in the Middle East has heightened the focus on a volatile region. But the emphasis on political issues has obscured underlying issues concerning education, infrastructure, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic and social development. This volume, emerging in the aftermath of a conference and workshop on science and technology in the region, presents contributions from a range of experts from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States to provide fresh new insights and perspectives on the challenges and prospects for regional development in the changing global context of our time. The authors explore such topics as: the role of information and communication technologies; mindset change in support of investment in intangible assets and risk-taking; how to approach cultural issues, institutions and governance; collaborations with other regions, and; benchmarking performance while drawing lessons of relevance for the special local context. Ultimately, they offer a number of precise policy recommendations and practical insights for creating an enabling environment for capturing economic, political, and social opportunity.

"The study aimed to raise awareness on the Digital Economy in the Arab region and its contribution to Sustainable Development. Digital Economy is a concept characterizing a situation where pervasive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in all social and economic endeavors leading to expanded opportunities, economic growth and improved public service delivery. Digital Economy plays an important role in the advent of ‘Smart Societies’ empowering all actors, public authorities, government, businesses, and citizens, particularly youth, and women to take optimal and informed decisions and reduce inequalities. Digital Economy revolution is no less important than former industrial revolutions related with the advent of steam power, combustion engines or electricity. The Arab region cannot stay away from this Digital Economy revolution and should leverage the benefits it might bring and address the risks it involves. Arab countries with their large human potential, educated youth, rich financial resources, and central geographic position should leverage the assets offered by Digital Economy to transform their economies and societies. Essentially because Digital Economy is transforming the globalized world and economy by affecting global value chains, and countries should strive to maintain or improve their global position. The main objective of this publication is to create awareness about Digital Economy and help policymakers and other stakeholders in the Arab region in identifying priority areas in the Digital Economy and developing national digital agendas to enhance their transformation into Digital Economy, which could also help addressing many socioeconomic problems and contribute to the fulfillment of UN Sustainable Development Goals. A properly well-thought and inclusive Digital Economy agenda for the region would be a major tool to guide the Arab countries in this field and put them on the track of an inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This document addresses many issues that might assist in the building-up of such successful agendas."--Publisher's description.

This volume explores how a number of developing countries -- including India, Malaysia, Columbia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia -- are responding to the pressures of the information society. Infrastructural development, policies, and social systems are investigated, and models of information technologies and society are proposed in order to better reference the differences and similarities among the nations profiled. The authors identify the social technology perspective via the assimilation of technology in lifestyles and social systems. From this perspective, the diffusion of technologies is analyzed with a critical eye for theories of culture lag, diffusion and innovation, and technological determinism and liberalism. The social perspective is a new addition to development studies, and the reader may see how, as the global information society comes into focus, the social dimensions are more important than some theorists originally envisioned.