Jordan on track to become innovation-driven country, say observers

AMMAN — Jordan progressed seven ranks in the 2023 edition of the Global Innovation Index (GII), reflecting the Kingdom’s exponentially increasing capacity to position itself as an innovation-driven country.

The 2023 edition of the GII takes the pulse of global innovation trends against the background of an economic environment surrounded by much uncertainty, measuring the innovation ecosystems of 132 economies, according to the GII website.

Jordan ranked 71st and stood at the position regionally, following the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Morocco, respectively.

Commenting on Jordan’s improved performance, economic analyst Waseem Hussein told The Jordan Times that “the results achieved by Jordan reflect the Jordanian government’s awareness and recognition of strategies and policies that enhance innovation and economic competitiveness”.

He added that the Economic Modernisation Vision as well as other national initiatives have played a crucial role in improving the country’s position. 

“Today, innovation has become the backbone of strong economies as it helps understand the potential needs of current and future markets,” he concluded.

As for Celina Varouqa, a Jordanian computer scientist, Jordan’s highly competitive ICT sector is of utmost importance when it comes to innovation.

She noted that technology adoption is key in developing the local innovation environment.

“This is a result of concerted national efforts which are geared towards improving Jordan’s position at various levels,” she said.