In terms of the filing of international patents, 2022 was a record-breaking year, with higher education playinga significant role in driving innovation and expanding international practices regarding intellectual property (IP). The UNWorld Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) reported in its 2023 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) review that in 2022, 278,100 international patents were…
The Third National Development Strategy 2024-30 (NDS-3) underlines the significance of innovation as a key driver for sustainable growth. The NDS-3 aims to bolster Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and amplify its role in propelling productivity and supporting economic expansion. By 2030 the NDS-3 aims to double gross domestic expenditure on research and development (R&D) as a percentage of GDP, with…
After a surge in uptake during the Covid-19 pandemic, the telehealth industry is courting new investment to further innovation and increase access to care in emerging markets. Digital health companies raised a record $57.2bn in global venture capital funding in 2021, a 79% jump from the $32bn raised in 2020, with 30% of the total directed towards telehealth. An estimated $140bn in private sector finance…
Tourism plays a crucial role in Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-30 (NDS-3), which serves as the primary framework for achieving the goals set out in Qatar National Vision 2030. The NDS-3 focuses on seven strategic outcomes: sustainable economic growth, fiscal sustainability, a future-ready workforce, social cohesion, enhanced quality of life, environmental sustainability and government…
In 2022 the Middle East witnessed the sharpest relative increase in international arrivals of any region in the world, solidifying its rebound from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and further raising its profile as an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), in 2022 international arrivals in the Middle East recovered to…
The conflict in Ukraine has caused disruption across the global economy, prompting an increase in the number and sophistication of cyberattacks. According to a poll of 800 chief audit executives conducted by the UK-based Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors, 77% of respondents thought the conflict in Ukraine had elevated cybersecurity and data-security risks. Senior cybersecurity analysts have…
Qatar is in the initial phases of its National Development Strategy 2024-30 (NDS-3) to transform the country into an advanced economy capable of sustainable development. The plan prioritises competitiveness, innovation and institutional excellence, while balancing sustainable growth and social cohesion. The NDS-3 outlines seven strategic national outcomes that represent the main strategic priorities…
There has been notable progress in the rollout of Qatar’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet and the development of autonomous public transport options, prompted by Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV). Around 70% of the bus fleet was electric as of early 2024, according to the Ministry of Transport (MoT), putting it well on its way to reaching its 100% electric fleet target by 2030. There have also been steps…
Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS-3) outlines a targeted approach to industrial development between 2024 and 2030. It underscores the value of specialised, high-productivity clusters where Qatar either excels or could develop considerable advantages. More specifically, the NDS-3 advocates for the chemical industry to expand into conventional and blue gasbased petrochemicals. It also…
Building on the momentum seen in the e-commerce space during the Covid-19 pandemic, the buy now/ pay later (BNPL) model is one of the fastest-growing segments in consumer finance, particularly in emerging markets. BNPL providers offer point-of-sale loans that consumers can repay in instalments over the course of weeks or even months. Charging little to no interest, these microcredit providers make…
