Title: Towards bridging the technology gap in the Arab region

Authors: Ahmed A. ElObeidy

Addresses: Cairo University, P.O. Box 188, Giza 12515, Egypt

Abstract: One of the problems hindering reduction of poverty and achieving the millennium development goals in the Arab region is the significance of gap and absence of adequate science, technology and innovation (STI) capabilities. Neither the infrastructure nor policies of STI in the region has been developed to be appropriate for enhancing competitiveness. The economic development of the Arab countries will only be fuelled by the technological choice. Bridging the technology gap in the Arab countries needs monitoring, coordination and guidance of the processes of developing, introducing, adapting and applying technology in the region. Governance mechanisms need to be developed in the region for managing global technology. International organisations can play a significant role in promoting the application of STI in the region. Enhancing the recent efforts aimed at creating strong and effective regional innovation system may contribute in obtaining the most positive impacts of the recent technological progress.

Keywords: Arab region; economic development; STI; science technology innovation; technological choice; technology policy; technology gap; governance mechanisms; regional innovation systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2010.034512

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2010 Vol.10 No.3, pp.239 - 257

Published online: 06 Aug 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article