The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing a period of sustained economic growth, outperforming other G20 nations in 2022. This expansion is attributed to higher global energy prices, resulting in a fiscal surplus and supporting diversification efforts and the non-oil sector.
Key public and private research, development and innovation (RDI) institutions are being harnessed to cultivate domestic and international partnerships designed to foster knowledge-sharing and skill transfer, and reinforce the innovation ecosystem in the Kingdom. Indeed, the Sustainable Partnerships Conference held in Riyadh in November 2022 resulted in 50 partnerships being signed between Saudi universities…
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 February 2023 that 278,100 international patents had been filed globally in 2022, a 0.3% increase…
The Gulf presents a significant growth opportunity for the global gaming industry due to its young and tech-savvy population, extensive government support, and continued investment in tourism, hospitality and entertainment. According to the 2022 census, 63% of Saudi Arabia's population is under the age of 30, with the median age being 29; the average disposable income for Saudi nationals is also relatively…
With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies alike, the GCC is rapidly developing more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to respond to the evolving nature of such threats. Since experiencing their first major cyberattacks in the early 2010s, the six members of the GCC have looked at ways to bolster their cybersecurity…
The innovation ecosystem was restructured in 2022 to enable the Kingdom to harness the capabilities and experience of its top scientists, researchers and inventors, increase marketable intellectual property, and stimulate inflows of private investment and venture capital to innovation-related entities. Funding is being channelled into research, development and innovation (RDI), financing a diverse…
Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector has already achieved notable success. As of 2022 it is the largest and fastest-growing market in the MENA region, with a value of SR154bn ($41.1bn). The scale of the Kingdom’s ambition is drawing global attention, with multinational ICT providers congregating once a year in Riyadh for the LEAP tech conference, as well as the Global Cybersecurity Forum. IT is set to play…
Interview: Munir Eldesouki In what ways can the RDIA address the scientific and technological challenges facing Saudi Arabia? MUNIR ELDESOUKI: Saudi Arabia’s growing global prominence in science, technology, and innovation is evident as it ascended 15 spots in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s 2022 Global Innovation Index, with credit to its robust digital infrastructure, among other…
Interview:Mohammed AlShaibi In what ways can the framework for the government’s outsourcing of IT processes be improved to enhance efficiency and flexibility? MOHAMMEDALSHAIBI: The government’s outsourcing of IT operations has produced positive results due to improvements in quality, cost reduction and delivery efficiency. However, with time and the growing reliance on external entities…
Saudi Arabia is restructuring its innovation ecosystem, focusing on harnessing top scientists, researchers and inventors; increasing intellectual property; and attracting private investment and venture capital. Funding is being channelled into research, development and innovation (RDI). financing a diverse range of projects and partnerships. Synergising the three constituent components of RDI will…