Dynamics of innovation in Qatar and its transition to knowledge-based economy: Relative strengths and weaknesses

Abstract

Qatar, as the most competitive economy in the region, seeks the transition to a knowledge-based economy. Innovation plays a crucial role in the economic development transform stage (from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy) promising a more sustainable future. Hence, this paper presents a descriptive study of the status quo of Qatar in innovation and considers its domestic innovation dynamics through the Global Innovation Measure (Index) data, while also comparing Qatar to Switzerland as the world leading economy with a full Innovation Efficiency Ratio (100%) in the Global Innovation Index. Moreover, in order to enable further progress in Qatar's innovation level, the relative strengths and weaknesses of its innovation elements should be identified and explored. Subsequently, some of Qatar's innovation dynamics are studied over time, in order to provide not only useful feedback, but to propose guidelines for the authorities in the process of decision-making. Extensive future research and analytical studies required for full exploration and identification of Qatar's innovation dynamics are recommended in order to provide comprehensive and detailed guidelines for the decision-making authorities. The results obtained in this research indicate that Qatar has shown a promising start towards economic development in recent years and that Qatar's scores are excellent in some areas: political stability, ease of paying taxes, tertiary inbound mobility, general infrastructure, electricity output, electricity consumption, intensity of domestic competition, research collaborations between university and industry, innovation linkages, cluster development state, joint venture and strategic alliance deals, growth rate of GDP per person engaged, intangible assets, information and communication technologies, and organizational and business model creation. Its scores are also satisfactory in many other areas. Nevertheless, there are indicators that require improvements and amplifications, such as: expenditure on education, assessment in reading, mathematics, science, employment in knowledge-intensive services, knowledge absorption, foreign direct investment, net inflows, scientific and technical publications, total computer software spending, knowledge diffusion, high-tech exports, communications, computer and information services imports and exports, creative goods services and exports.

Toward a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Qatar

“…Both business sophistication and knowledge and technology outputs are directly linked to innovation activities and are part of the GII. Consequently, a previous descriptive study of the innovation status quo in Qatar assessed its domestic innovation dynamics through the GII data while also comparing it to Switzerland, ranked as the world's leading economy with a complete Innovation Efficiency Ratio (100%) in the same index [41]. They found that Qatar has shown a promising start toward economic development in recent years and that Qatar's scores are excellent in some areas, which aligned with this study findings.…”

“…Consequently, to study the innovation dynamics of Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem, it is relevant to consider existing indicators such as the GII, which indicates that the country is performing below expectations considering it has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. A previous descriptive study of the innovation status quo in Qatar assessed its domestic innovation dynamics through the GII data while also comparing it to Switzerland, ranked as the world's leading economy with a complete Innovation Efficiency Ratio (100%) in the same index [41]. Composed of seven pillars, the GII highlights Qatar's strengths and weaknesses, with business sophistication showing the weakest performance and infrastructure the best [39].…”

The state of the knowledge-based economy in the Arab world: cases of Qatar and Lebanon

“…Both cases confirm the importance of government interventions in the knowledge-based economy. Governments contribute a great deal in the transition toward a knowledge-based economy by building efficient institutions, investing in IT infrastructure, a highly competitive entrepreneurial environment and education system (Faghih and Sarfaraz, 2014). Macroeconomic policies, good governance and a business-friendly climate provide the basis for knowledge-based economy strategies.…”

Ideology and ethics of transitional entrepreneurs: legitimacy, soft law, and overcoming a distressed economy

“…In particular, the youth unemployment rate reached about 25%. More than half of Iran's population are youth, as the major contributors to the economy and entrepreneurship seek a transition to a knowledge-based economy (Faghih and Sarfaraz, 2014). Given its big and youthful population as well as good capital stocks and resources, Iran certainly could become an entrepreneurial and economic powerhouse, also given Iranians' appreciation and investment in education (Ratten et al, 2016).…”