The study, jointly carried out by Madar Research & Development and Orient Planet, focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the region's economy along with the opportunities and risks associated with it.
It said there were 111,721,020 internet users in 18 Arab countries in 2012, up 18.98 percent on the previous year, and will increase to about 197 million by 2017.
The report also said GCC countries comprise the 12th largest economic region in the world with a recorded Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.03 percent in 2013.
Qatar, with a population of 1.91 million, emerged as the richest country per capita in the GCC and the second richest in the world with $105,169 in 2013, followed by Kuwait with $47,265, according to the study.
It added that in 2013, the GCC witnessed a population growth of 3.68 percent with Qatar leading the way at 11.36 percent, followed by the UAE at 5 percent due to the large influx of foreign workers. The local population of the UAE and Qatar made up just 13 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of the total population.
The report said adult literacy remains a major hurdle for the development of the information society and knowledge-based economy in the Arab region with a huge discrepancy between the male and female literacy rates.
Madar Research & Development and Orient Planet said Bahrain led its newly created Arab e-Performance Index which is based on six important global indexes including the Global Competitiveness Index, Networked Readiness Index (NRI), ICT Development Index (IDI), Global Innovation Index, Knowledge Economy Index (KEI), and e-Government Development Index.
Abdul Kader Al Kamli, CEO, Madar Research & Development, said: "Some of today's developing countries will be tomorrow's vibrant economies in the global market, which makes investment in innovation and education critical for transformation to a knowledge-based economy.
"The shift is highly significant in the Arab World, as it will enable a landscape of technological innovation, promote competitiveness, and empower local population with professional skills.
"Having realized the importance of knowledge-based economy in the socio-economic growth of a country, the GCC countries have launched their e-Governance programs, while Dubai, on the other hand, have entered into the next phase with the recent launch of Dubai Smart Governance."
Nidal Abou Zaki, managing director, Orient Planet, added: "Most of the Arab countries have made significant progress in establishing a knowledge-based economy and society. With its wealth in natural and financial resources, huge investments in technology infrastructure and visionary leadership, the region is rapidly catching up with progressive countries in terms of digital innovations."
The report said public-private partnership (PPP) is required to ensure smooth progress in knowledge related indicators and build an entrepreneurial culture that supports innovation.
---
Quelle/Source: Arabian Business, 27.05.2014
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
