Technological Readiness in the Middle East and North Africa – Implications for Egypt

Abstract

Innovation is widely recognized as a key driver of sustainable economic development. Governments, international organizations, donors and investors are increasingly interested in evaluating the technological capabilities and innovative capacities in developing countries, but often lack appropriate approaches for such measurement. This paper focuses on innovation and technological progress in the MENA region and discusses the challenges of understanding, expanding and fostering innovative potential in Egypt.

A generalized model for smartphone adoption and use in an Arab context: A cross-country comparison

“…This is consistent with the findings of Straub et al (2001) and Loch et al (2003). Users in Iraq are seen as "isolated" from countries that are more technologically advanced (Brach, 2010). From the perspective of these users, being more open to technology advancement is important.…”

“…The society is collectivistic and neither masculine nor feminine. Brach (2010) grouped users in countries in the Middle East and North Africa into the following categories: "consumers," "integrated users," and "isolated users." With reference to the three countries in this study, while "consumers" in the Arab Gulf countries (i.e., the U.A.E., within the context of this research) are open to the latest technologies available globally, "integrated users" (located in Jordan) are significantly less open to them.…”

Impacts of globalisation on economic growth in Europe Union countries

“…This paper collects data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators Database. Research by Branch (2010) has shown the positive impact of the quality of technology on the economic growth of a country. Accordingly, the quality of information technology affects the flow of information, and the quality of the information in the lives of residents and businesses, thereby greatly affecting economic growth.…”