Interview: Pablo Martin de Holan
How has Qatar National Vision 2030 shaped education, especially for entrepreneurs?
PABLO MARTIN DE HOLAN: Qatar National Vision 2030 has prioritised human capital development and research and development to enable the evolution of a diversified, knowledge-based economy. This transformation requires a skilled workforce at all levels, and Qatar has made substantial investment in education to ensure the talent required is present when needed. Qatar Foundation plays a key role in forging partnerships with renowned educational institutions, such as HEC Paris, and continues to offer support in shaping local education policy to align with the government’s vision.
Qatar National Vision 2030 stresses the importance of a healthy business education ecosystem, which contributes to the development of entrepreneurs and innovators who will build the businesses of the future. Key initiatives, incubators, accelerators and investment opportunities have been formed to support aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs seeking to establish or grow their business in Qatar.
To what extent is the country’s reputation as a leader in education continuing to evolve?
MARTIN DE HOLAN: Through significant investment and international partnerships, Qatar is now home to a diverse array of international higher education institutions. The evolution of the sector in Qatar over the past 25 years has been an example to other nations in terms of patience, determination and long-term vision.
Qatar’s dedication to providing quality education continues to attract significant investment, thanks in part to the pivotal role played by the Qatar Foundation. This investment has bolstered the country’s reputation as a regional leader in the field, especially higher education, and we expect this trend to continue. Education will likely become one of Qatar’s most important sectors in the coming years. The country attracts a diverse pool of faculty members, enticing them with the prospect of working in a dynamic economy and the abundance of research opportunities offered. Additionally, a commitment to excellence has attracted talented students from around the globe, particularly from the Middle East. Beyond the high-quality education provided, the safe and multicultural environment makes Qatar an attractive destination for learning and instruction.
What do you see as the main factors driving technology adoption within education?
MARTIN DE HOLAN: Technology adoption within education has become essential as digitalisation, big data and artificial intelligence transform our lives. Technology widens access to educational resources; levels the playing field for students and educators; helps to bridge geographical distances; promotes global collaboration and cross-cultural learning; and enhances the learning experience by leveraging multimedia content, interactive simulations and online collaboration tools.
Accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning has opened doors to global expertise, benefitting institutions and students by providing greater access to international resources and knowledge. The demand for digital literacy, collaborative digital tools and blended learning is a recurring theme for employers. Institutions have adapted by teaching data analysis, digital marketing and other tech-related skills to meet these needs. Educational institutions are also adopting blended learning approaches and digital tools into their curricula to prepare students for more digital-focused group projects that mirror real-world business scenarios.
In response to these changes, educational institutions promote lifelong learning by collaborating with businesses to offer custom programmes on industry-specific needs, and provide short courses and certifications to help professionals stay updated with the latest technological advancements. Life-long learning has become essential to business effectiveness and is necessary for today’s professionals in most disciplines.
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