“Technology Development in the World and its Impact on MENA region” Seminar

Proceeding from the responsibility entrusted to the private sector need to contribute in promoting awareness, knowledge and exchange of experiences and dialogue on economic and business fields, the “Technology Development in the World and its Impact on Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region” seminar was held In cooperation with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business Forum on November 11, 2008. It was presented by Mr. Alaya Bettaieb, who is leading the Arab Academic Technology Transfer project for the region in the Arab Science and Technology Foundation.

The seminar focused on two essential topics; the private sectors’ role in countries economic balance, and the financial risks in performing technology transfer projects and some countries experience in this field. The seminar showed the macroeconomic rapid growth of some countries and the role technological companies play in fostering their countries’ development and overall performance.

Mr. Bettaieb analyzed the ‘Technology Ecosystem’ attributing such a growth to the technology alphabetism, technology watch, research breakthrough, technology incubation and entrepreneurship, technology investment and technology commercialization, and the challenges MENA countries face in reducing the technology gap with the developed world.