Meeting Arab Socio-economic development
through ICT
“Can……………..Growth
Can…..Waste” UN-SC
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
1
CONTENTS
Introduction: ICT and Development
Arab Adopted Regional Needs
Ranked ICT Solutions Characteristics
Adequate ICT Solutions for Region
Assessment of Suitable ICT Solutions
Selected Suitable ICT Solutions’ Models



7/24/2016
Model A: Software Development Industry
Model B: e-Services
Model C: Electronics Mfg & Integration
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
2
ICT and Development
Technological change is both: a cause and a
consequence of economic & social development
Some effects are non-measurable: convenience
Turnkey acquisition of technology systems:



technological and economic dependency,
limiting employment opportunities,
raising the cost of that acquired technology solutions.
ICT double edge: Selective adoption of ICT tools,
products viewed as loss-minimizing strategy
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
3
Regional Adopted Needs [UN 02-05]
Productive/Integrated Resources Mgmt for
Sustainable Development
Integrated Policies for Social Development
Economic Analysis and Forecasting for
Regional Development
Regional Integration and Adapting to
Globalization
ICT for Regional Development
Comparable Statistics for Improved Planning
and Policy Decisions
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
4
Regional Status of ICT
Figure I: ESCWA com bined infrastructure w rt w orld average
2000-2002
Fixed-lines
100%
80%
60%
40%
T LDN
Internet
20%
0%
PC’s
7/24/2016
Mobiles
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
5
Process for Selecting ICT Priorities
Quality Function Deployment (QFD) process
Start with Region Socio-economic Needs
Derive and Rank ICT solutions characteristics
Propose, assess, and Rank ICT solutions
Evaluate Solutions (country reference):

suggest Very Suitable and Suitable Arab Countries
QFD team: various levels of expertise in ICT
infrastructure, contents, enablers,
industrialization, and management.
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
6
Region Adequate ICT Solutions Ranked Characteristics
S
M
S
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
S
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
S
S
M
M
M
S
M
M
S
S
S
M
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
S
S
S
S
Facilitates accessibility and
aw areness of social and cultural
values
M
M
Increases environmental
monitoring capabilities
M
M
Increases export capabilities
M
S
Helps regulation and facilitation of
capital flow
S
S
Enhances harmonization and
standardization of trade
procedures
M
M
Supports Resources Management
M
Offers investments opportunities
S
Supports initiatives to create
productive employment
M
M
M
Offers new opportunities for
industrialization
S
S
Facilitates aw areness and
enforcement of w omen
empow erment policies
S
M
M
M
M
Higher w orkforce utilization of
youth and w omen
S
S
Supports quality and coverage of
education
S
M
M
Facilitates standards adoption
M
M
M
Facilitates partnerships among
development stakeholders
S
Enhances
performance
/forecastingeconomic
tools for
Facilitates dissemination of Arabic
information
S
S
Enhances measurements and
analysis
economic performance
M
M
Affordable & user friendly
S
S
Supports monitoring of
comparable economic indicators
Offers opportunities for regional
integration
into the know ledge
/
regional
society
Increases transparency and
availability of information
S
S
Increases real
access and management of
information
Facilitates national
integration of statistical data
Facilitates data netw orking for
development
-social
time reliable
Increases aw areness and
know ledge of ICT tools
Higher information exchange rate
ICT Solutions Correlation Matrix
Strong=S= Medium=M=
ESCWA Region Needs (MTP
)
Ranked Characteristics
ESCWA REGION ADEQUATE ICT SOLUTIONS CHARACTERISTICS
. Productive/Integrated Resources Mgm t
for Sustainable Developm ent
. Integrated/Sustainable Mgmt of w ater and
energy resources
. Sound environmental policies
. Competitiveness and Harmonization of
Production sectors
. Integration of social dimension in development
M
M
S
S
S
S
S
M
M M
M
S
S
S
S
M
M
S
S
. Integrated Policies for Social Developm ent
. Region specific, culturally sensitive,
operational social policies
. Poverty and unemployment reduction
especially for youth/w omen
. Women empow erment policies
. Population/Urban development
. Positive social and cultural values
. Econom ic Analysis and Forecasting for
Regional Developm ent
. Capacity to coordinate economic policies
. Quantitative assessment of economic and
financial trends
. Performance analysis of real sectors
. Economic forecasting
. Regional Integration and Adapting to
Globalization
. Integration of regional markets
. Facilitate transboundary flow s of goods,
persons, and capital
. Increase share in international trade and the
export performance
. Encourage foreign and domestic investments
M
S
M
S
S
M
S
S
S
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
M
S
M
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
M
M
S
M
M
M
S
S
S
S
M
S
S
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
M
M
S
M
S
M
S
M
S
S
M
M
M
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
M
S
M
M
S
S
S
M
M
S
S
S
S
S
M
M
M
M
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
S
S
S
S
M
S
M
M
M
S
S
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
S
S
S
M
S
M
S
S
S
S
S
M
S
M
S
M
S
S
S
M
M
S
M
M
M
M
M
M
M M
S
S
S
M
M S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
M
S
S
S
S
M
M
M
S
M
M
M
S
S
S
S
S
M
S
M
S
S
S
S
S
S M
M
M
S
S
M
M
M
M
S
M
S
S
M
M
M
. ICT for Regional Developm ent
. Harness ICT for development
. Forging partnerships betw een various
regional stakeholders
. Com parable Statistics for Im proved
Planning and Policy Decisions
. Timely and comparable statistical economic
and social information
. Reliable, consistent Information
7/24/2016
. Statistical capacity building
NORMALIZED TOTAL %
M
M
S
S
S
S
M
ProfSS Fouad
Mrad,
American
UniversityMS of
S
S
S
S
S
M
S
M
M
Beirut
-SLebanon
S
M
M
M
M
7M
M
Ranked ICT Solutions Characteristics
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Higher information exchange rate
Increases real-time reliable access and management of information
Facilitates data networking for social development
Increases awareness and knowledge of ICT tools
Facilitates national/regional integration of statistical data
Increases transparency and availability of information
Offers opportunities for regional integration into the knowledge society
Affordable & user friendly
Supports monitoring of comparable economic indicators
Enhances measurements and analysis/forecasting tools for economic
performance
Enhances economic performance
Facilitates dissemination of Arabic information
Facilitates partnerships among development stakeholders
Facilitates standards adoption
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
8
Ranked ICT Solutions Characteristics
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
Supports quality and coverage of education
Higher workforce utilization of youth and women
Facilitates awareness and enforcement of women empowerment policies
Offers new opportunities for industrialization
Supports initiatives to create productive employment
Offers investments opportunities
Supports Resources Management
Enhances harmonization and standardization of trade procedures
Helps regulation and facilitation of capital flow
Increases export capabilities
Increases environmental monitoring capabilities
Facilitates accessibility and awareness of social and cultural values
Facilitates and simplifies procedures for regional travel
Enhances trust and lower risk of Foreign and Domestic Investments
Can be exported
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
9
ICT Ranked Characteristics /
Solutions Correlation Matrix S=
Strong M= Medium
NORMALIZED PERCENT WEIGHTS
RANKED ICT PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
Arabized Software Development
Digitized Language Intensive Industry&Srv
ICT Based Education&Training Institutions
Digital Publishing
ISP / Hosting / Data centers
Community Telecenters
Digital Public Transactions Processing
e-banking Transactions
Virtual Shopping Centers
B B e-Transactions
Broadband Infrastructure
Smart Public ID Card
System Design & Integration
Computer Peripherals Mfg
Mfg of Fiberoptics
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) Fab
Telecom Equipment Switches Mfg
Telecom Equipment Units Mfg
Telecom PABX Mfg
Industrial Process Eqpt Design&Assembly
Customized Software Subcontracting
Call/Contact Centers
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
10
Facilitates accessibility and
aw areness of social and cultural
Increases environmental monitoring
capabilities
Increases export capabilities
Helps regulation and f acilitation of
capital f low
Enhances harmonization and
standardization of trade procedures
Supports Resources Management
Of f ers investments opportunities
Supports initiatives to create
productive employment
Of f ers new opportunities f or
industrialization
Facilitates aw arness and
enf orcement of w omen empow erment
policies
Higher w orkf orce utilization of youth
and w omen
Supports quality and coverage of
education
Facilitates standards adoption
Facilitates partnerships among
development stakeholders
Facilitates dissemination of Arabic
inf ormation
Enhances measurements and
analysis
economic perf ormance
Enhances economic perf ormance
/f orecasting tools f or
Supports monitoring of comparable
economic indicators
Af f ordable & user f riendly
Of f ers opportunities f or regional
integration
into the know ledge society
/regional integration
Increases transparency and
availability of inf ormation
Facilitates national
of statistical data
-Increases
aw
areness and know ledge
time reliable
access
of ICT tools
Facilitates data netw orking f or social
development
Increases real
and management of inf ormation
Higher inf ormation exchange rate
Ranked Characteristics
Assessment of Suitable ICT Solutions
ASSESSMENT OF ESCWA SUITABLE ICT SOLUTIONS
Assessment of Suitable ICT Solutions
(22)
1 Arabized Software Development
1 Digitized Language Intensive
Industry & Services
1 ICT Based Education &Training
Institutions
1 Digital Publishing
2 ISP / Hosting / Data centers
3 Community Telecenters
4 Digital Public Transactions
Processing
5 e-banking Transactions
5 Virtual Shopping Centers
5 B2B e-Transactions
6 Broadband Infrastructure
7/24/2016
7 Smart Public ID Card
8 System Design & Integration
9 Computer Peripherals Mfg
9 Manufacturing of Fiber-optics
9 Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
Fabrication
9 Telecom Equipment Switches Mfg
9 Telecom Equipment Units Mfg
9 Telecom PABX Manufacturing
9 Industrial Process Equipment
Design & Assembly
10 Customized Software
Subcontracting
11 Call/Contact Centers
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
11
Model A: Software Development
New players differentiable capabilities
Attractive especially for developing countries:
 High growth: industrial turnover, output, employment
 Low entry barriers: financial and capital requirements
 Opportunity to participate in knowledge based industry
 Facilitating role for other parts of the economy
 Opportunities for exports and foreign investments
 Offers the full range of skill demand
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
12
Model A: Software Development Industry
The software marketplace categories are:
Tools (databases, application tools)
Packaged (accounting, healthcare, shipping)
Tailored applications (government,
manufacturing, e-commerce, etc)
Multi-media and Localization (Arabization, CDs,
education, tourism, etc)
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
13
Arabization & Arabic Contents for ICT Solutions
Arabic users forced to choose:
language, or poor Arabic support
Web pages contents (estimate)


foreign
Korean 4.4% (pop 45 Millions)
Arabic 0.1% (pop 300 Millions)
POTENIAL APPLICATIONS

Arabic educational contents for e-learning
Arabic multimedia, web applications
Arabic games
Arabic financial software
Arabic voice, language, and character recognition
Arabic interface for existing international packages
7/24/2016
14





Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
Arabization & Arabic contents for ICT
Supporting items
Low telecom cost (domestic)
Low telecom cost (inter)
Telecom infrastructure
Low employment cost
Technically skilled labor
Multilingual labor
R&D capability and support
University graduates
Arabic literacy
7/24/2016
Proxy variables
Local rate (USD per 3 min.)
Call from US (USD per min.)
Percent digitalized exchanges
Average industrial wage (USD)
Prop of natural science major
Average score of TOEFL
R&D expenditure as % of GDP
Gross ratio tertiary education
Daily newspaper circulation per 1000
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
15
Arabization and Arabic ICT Content Development: Selection
Evaluation (against average values)
Arabized software development
Average Japan BAH EGY IRQ JOR KUWLEB OMA QAT PAL KSA SYR UAE YEM TUN ALG DJI
supporting items
proxy variables
Low telecommunications cost (domestic) domestic telephone rate
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Low telecommunications cost (international)
call cost from US
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Telecommunications infrastructure
percentage of digitalized exchanges
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Low employment cost
average industrial wage
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Availability of technically skilled labor
proportion of natural science major
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Availability of multilingual labor
average score of TOEFL
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
R&D capability and support
R&D expenditure as % of GDP
+
+
+
+
+
University graduates
gross enrolment ratio to tertiary edu.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Arabic literacy
number of publications
+
+
+
+
+
+
TOTAL
-
-
SUD SOM COM LIB
+
-
-
+
MOR
-
+
-
-
-
+
-
-
+
-
+
+
+
-
+
-
-
-
-
+
-
+
-
-
-
-
Raw Data Comparison
Arabized software development
Average Japan BAH EGY IRQ JOR KUWLEB OMA QAT PAL KSA SYR UAE YEM TUN ALG DJI SUD SOM COM LIB MOR
supporting items
proxy variables
Low telecommunications cost (domestic) Local rate (USD per min.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Low telecommunications cost (international)
call cost from US (USD per min.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Telecommunications infrastructure
percentage of digitalized exchanges
.
.
.
Low employment cost
average industrial wage (USD)
.
Availability of technically skilled labor
proportion of natural science major
.
Multilingual labor
Average score of TOEFL
.
R&D capability and support
R&D expenditure as % of GDP
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
University graduates
gross enrolment ratio to tertiary edu.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Arabic literacy
daily newspaper circulation per
.
RECOMMENDATIONS
VS = VERY SUITABLE
S = SUITABLE
VS
VS
VS
VS
S
VS
S
VS
S
S
(Source" ITU (
) World Telecommunications Indicators
/
)
(Source: AT&T AnyHour International Savings Plan at http://www.consumer.att.com/global/english/)
(Source" ITU (
) World Telecommunications Indicators
/
)
(Source: ESCWA/AIDMO (
) Bulletin of Industrial Statistics for the Arab Countries
; for Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare at http://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/data/)
Number of students in tertiary education system per
,
inhabitants multiplied by proportion of natural sciences, Engineering, Agriculture major (Source: UNESCO (
) World Education Report
(Source: Educational Testing Service (
) TOEFL Test and Score Data Summary )
(Source ESCWA/UNESCO (
) Research and Development Systems in the Arab States, Appendix Table ( ));except Japan, reference year is
(Source UNESCO (
) Statistical Yearbook ))
(Source: UNESCO (
) World Education Report
)
(Source: UNESCO (
) Statistical Yearbook )
It is important to realize that the adopted proxy variables measured in
various Arab countries were compared to the group average. Assuming
equal weights for all variables, and labeling an algebraic + for better
than, - for worth than, for equal to th
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
16
)
Arabized Software Development
Digitized Language Intensive Industry & Services
ICT Based Education &Training Institutions
Digital Publishing
VERY SUITABLE
TECHNOLOGIES
Jordan
Kuwait
Egypt
Syria
Tunisia
Bahrain
7/24/2016
SUITABLE
TECHNOLOGIES
Lebanon
United Arab
Emirates
Algeria
Morocco
Ref Country: Japan
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
17
Model B: e-Services
Developed countries experiences cannot be
mapped directly to the region: social, economic,
cultural, infrastructural,legal business practices.
NO benefit from globalization of outsourcing
Inter-Arab trade is so low (6% of Arab trade)
Need access to the increasingly ICT-dependent
strong markets of developed-countries.
Inadequate infrastructure, relatively expensive
ICT tools and access, services requiring foreign
languages, almost inexistent local contents,
and unsuitable legislations.
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
18
Suitable e-services Solutions
ISP / Hosting / Data centers
Community Tele-centers
Digital Public Transactions Processing
e-banking Transactions
Virtual Shopping Centers
B2B e-Transactions
Smart Public ID Card
Call/Contact Center
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
19
ISP / Hosting / Data Centers
Supporting items
Low telecom cost (domestic)
Telecom infrastructure
Accessibility to internet
Domestic market size
Regional market size
Broadband infrastructure
IT literacy
7/24/2016
Proxy variables
Local rate (USD per 3 min.)
Percent digitalized exchanges
User per 10,000 inhabitants
Domestic population
Regional population
Availability of ADSL
Number of PCs per 1000 inhabitants
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
20
ISP/Hosting/Data Centers: Evaluation
Evaluation (against average values)
Internet Service Providers (ISP)/Hosts/Data Center
Average Iceland BAH EGY IRQ JOR KUWLEB OMA QAT PAL KSA SYR UAE YEM TUN ALG DJI
supporting items
proxy variables
Low telecommunications cost (domestic) Local rate (USD per min.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Telecommunications infrastructure
main phone line per
inhabitants
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Accessibility to internet
user per ,
inhabitants
+
+
+
+
+
+
Domestic market size
domestic population
+
+
+
+
+
+
Regional market size
regional population
+
Availability of broadband infrastructure
availability of ADSL
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
IT literacy
number of PCs per
inhabitants
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
TOTAL
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
SUD SOM COMLIB
+
+
-
-
-
MOR
-
+
-
+
-
-
-
-
-
Raw Data Comparision
Internet Service Providers (ISP)/Hosts/Data Center
Average Iceland BAH EGY IRQ JOR KUWLEB OMA QAT PAL KSA SYR UAE YEM TUN ALG DJI SUD SOM COMLIB MOR
supporting items
proxy variables
Low telecommunications cost (domestic) Local rate (USD per min.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Telecommunications infrastructure
main phone line per
inhabitants
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Accessibility to internet
user per ,
inhabitants
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Domestic market size
domestic population
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Regional market size
regional population
.
.
Availability of broadband infrastructure
availability of ADSL
A
A
A
A
N
A
A
N
N
N
A
A
N
A
N
A
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
IT literacy
number of PCs per
inhabitants
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
RECOMMENDATIONS
VS = VERY SUITABLE
S = SUITABLE
S
VS
S
VS
VS
(Source: ITU (
) World Telecommunications Indicators
/
)
(Source: ITU (
) World Telecommunications Indicators
/
)
(Source: ITU (
))
Estimated total population (Source: UN Population Division at http://unstats.un.org/unsd/)
Estimated total population for Arab Region (UN Population Division)
(Source: major ISPs in each country)
(Source: ITU (
))
It is important to realize that the adopted proxy variables measured in
various Arab countries were compared to the group average. Assuming
equal weights for all variables, and labeling an algebraic + for better
than, - for worth than, for equal to th
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
21
ISP / Hosting / Data Centers
VERY SUITABLE
TECHNOLOGIES
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
United Arab
Emirates
SUITABLE
TECHNOLOGIES
Bahrain
Qatar
Ref Country: Iceland
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
22
Contact / Call Centers
Supporting items
Low telecom cost (domestic)
Low telecom cost (inter)
Telecom infrastructure
Low employment cost
Availability of skilled labor
Multilingual labor
Domestic Market size
Regional Market size
7/24/2016
Proxy variables
Local rate (USD per 3 min.)
Call from US (USD per min.)
Main Phone lines per 100
Average industrial wage (USD)
Mean years of schooling
Average score of TOEFL
Domestic Population
Regional Population
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
23
Contact/Call Centers: Evaluation
Evaluation (against average values)
Contact Centers
Average Ireland BAH EGY IRQ JOR KUWLEB OMA QAT PAL KSA SYR UAE YEM TUN ALG DJI SUD SOM COMLIB
supporting items
proxy variables
Low telecommunications cost (domestic) Local rate (USD per min.)
+ n.a. +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ n.a.
+
Low telecommunications cost (international)
call cost from US (USD per min.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
- n.a. +
+
+
+
Telecommunications infrastructure
main phone line per
inhabitants
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
- n.a.
Low employment cost
average industrial wage (USD)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
Availability of skilled labor
mean years of schooling (Years)
+
+
+ n.a. +
+
+
+ n.a. +
+
+
- n.a. +
Multilingual labor
Average score of TOEFL
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ n.a. +
+ n.a.
Domestic market size
domestic population
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Regional market size
regional population
+
TOTAL
-
-
-
MOR
+
+
+
+
-
Raw Data Comparison
Contactcenter
Average Ireland BAH EGY IRQ JOR KUWLEB OMA QAT PAL KSA SYR UAE YEM TUN ALG DJI SUD SOM COMLIB MOR
supporting items
proxy variables
Low telecommunications cost (domestic) Local rate (USD per min.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Low telecommunications cost (international)
call cost from US (USD per min.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Telecommunications infrastructure
main phone line per
inhabitants
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Low employment cost
average industrial wage (USD)
.
Availability of skilled labor
mean years of schooling (Years)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Multilingual labor
Average score of TOEFL
.
*
Domestic market size
domestic population
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Regional market size
regional population
.
.
RECOMMENDATIONS
VS = VERY SUITABLE
S = SUITABLE
S
VS
VS
S
(Source: ITU (
) World Telecommunications Indicators
/
)
(Source: AT&T AnyHour International Savings Plan at http://www.consumer.att.com/global/english/)
(Source: ITU (
) World Telecommunications Indicators
/
)
(Source: ESCWA/AIDMO (
) Bulletin of Industrial Statistics for the Arab Countries
)
(Source: UNDP (
) HD indicators at http://www.hdr.undp.org/reports/global/
/en/indi…/indicator.cfm?File=indic_
(Source: Educational Testing Service (
) TOEFL Test and Score Data Summary )
Estimated total population (Source: UN Population Division at http://unstats.un.org/unsd/)
Estimated total population forArab Region (UN Population Division)
It is important to realize that the adopted proxy variables measured in
various Arab countries were compared to the group average. Assuming
equal weights for all variables, and labeling an algebraic + for better
than, - for worth than, for equal to th
7/24/2016
S
VS
VS
S
S
VS
S
- - .htm)
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
24
Contact / Call Centers
VERY SUITABLE
TECHNOLOGIES
Egypt
Jordan
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Algeria
SUITABLE
TECHNOLOGIES
United Arab
Emirates
Kuwait
Lebanon
Bahrain
Tunisia
Morocco
Ref Country: Ireland
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
25
Model C: Electronics Mfg & Integration
Foundation of knowledge-economy
Fast economic growth
High value added
Multiplier effect
High employment (spectrum of skills)
Contributes to the competitiveness and
productivity of other economic sectors.
ICT is the first sector of electronics.
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
26
Arab Electronics Industry
Arab Electronics Industry is small, service
oriented, branches of MNC with very little
local assembly activities
Meets 17% of total electronic Arab market
Little yearly export of $ 150 millions:
Tunis $ 55 millions
 Morocco $ 50 millions

7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
27
Principles for Arab Electronics
Not competing with established giants of expertise (like Japan and
Singapore), or ocean of labor and material (like China).
Focus on the niches that capture local resources (multi-lingual
workforce, petroleum based material, creative human
resources, etc),
Size of the market
Local R&D support capability for sustainable growth
Selective products that cannot be imported
Strategic needs for basic national industries
Strategic defense needs
Strategic diversification of economies
Job creation
Belonging to the knowledge society
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
28
Suitable Electronics Industries
System Design & Integration
Computer Peripherals Manufacturing
Manufacturing of Fiber-optics
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) Fabrication
Telecom Equipment Switches Manufacturing
Telecom Equipment Units Manufacturing
Telecom PABX Manufacturing
Industrial Process Eqpt Design & Assembly
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
29
Electronics System Mfg and Integration
Supporting items
Low employment cost
Technically skilled labor
R&D capability and support
Domestic market size
Regional market size
Plastic processing industry
Casting/Molding
Packaging/Labeling
Multilingual labor
Telecom infrastructure
Global network of emigrants
Professional population
7/24/2016
Proxy variables
Average industrial wage
Proportion of natural science major
R&D expenditure in Eng./Basic Science
Domestic population
Regional population
Number of plastic processing firms
Number of molding shops
Number of paper/printing firms
Average score of TOEFL
Main phone line per 100 inhabitants
Number of emigrants
Number of engineers/scientists
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
30
Electronics Mfg & Integration
The more relevant indicators are not
available for most of the Arab countries.
From existing studies, comparative and
competitive advantages, electronics
design and manufacturing more suitable
Tunis
 Morocco
 Egypt
 Saudi Arabia

7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
31
Summary of ICT Initiatives for
Regional Development Needs
Each country is unique
Differences create a suitable environment
for productive complementary strategy
Team Process results suggest:
1.
2.
3.
4.
7/24/2016
ICT Infrastructure Upgrading
Arabization and Arabic ICT contents
development
e-Services localization
Electronics design, manufacturing, and
integration
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
32
Conclusion
ICT support activities and decision-making for
economic and social development
ICT as industrial sector for sustainable development
True ICT impact on development indicators are not
universal and sometimes not measurable
Is not the answer to all needs and problems
Misleading ICT statistics yields wrong perception
More than 50% of ICT traffic unproductive -USA
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
33
Conclusion (cont)
Suitability selection results and rankings were biased by
team members, and UN_ESCWA defined regional needs.
Only guide before any investment and policy making
Choice of the supporting items and corresponding equally
weighted proxy variables affected the process results
Unknown ICT plans and activities in the Arab countries.
Validity of findings conditioned by the documented data
Business opportunities in answering the regional needs
with ICT services and industry $$$$
USA-Arab Development Partnerships
OIL
for
Development
Peace on Earth “IN SAME GOD WE TRUST”
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
34
FOLLOW UP RECOMMENDATIONS STAKEHOLDERS
7/24/2016
Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
35
References
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“Information and Communication Technologies for Development in the Arab States: Overview, considerations, and parallels with Asia,” UNDP regional Bureau for
Arab States, June 2002.
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Cairo, June 2002.
[4]
“Issues of Concern to the Telecom sector in the ESCWA (Arab) region,” presentation by A. Dewachi, Arab and Africa Broadband and Internet Forum, Sharm El
Sheikh, May 2002.
[5] “Telecommunications and Information Highways: Middle East,” Paul Budde Communication Pty Ltd, Australia, 2002.
[6]
“Development and International cooperation in the twenty-first century: the role of information technology in the context of a knowledge-based global economy,”
Report of the Secretary-General.” UN-New York, July 2000.
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[8]
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[9] “Arab Book,” www.ituarabic.org
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[12] “Feasibility: Software Programming for Lebanon,” Presented to the Ministry of Industry – Lebanon, September 2001, by Monitor Group, Boston – USA.
[13] “Changing Dynamics of Global Computer Software and Services Industry: Implications for Developing Countries.” UN Conference on Trade and Development,
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[14] “Impact of S&T system on Electronics Industries,” by M. Mrayati – ESCWA Regional Advisor, Presented at the Conference of Scientific research and
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[17] “Challenges of Globalization, Innovation, and Competitiveness for Developing Countries,” S. Lall, Proceedings of the ESCWA-ILO Forum on Technology,
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[18] “Partnerships and Networking in Science and Technology fro Development.” UN Conference on Trade and Development, 2002.
[19] “E-Services:What? How? Challenges ahead,” N. Rochdi, ICTD Policy Advisor-UNDP, Proceedings of the ESCWA-ILO Forum on Technology, Employment and
Poverty Alleviation in the Arab Countries, Beirut, July 2002.
[20] “Findings from the World Employment Report 2001: Life at Work in the Information Economy,” Proceedings of the ESCWA-ILO Forum on Technology,
Employment and Poverty Alleviation in the Arab Countries, Beirut, July 2002.
[21] “Electronic Commerce in the Arab World: Present Status and the Future Horizons,” Proceedings of the ESCWA-ILO Forum on Technology, Employment and
Poverty Alleviation in the Arab Countries, Beirut, July 2002.
[22] “Proposed medium-term plan for the period 2002-2005: Programme 18–ESCWA,” UN General Assembly.
[23] www.qfdi.org
[24] “Software Development in Egypt: New Technology and Career Trends,” by A. Chalabi, Chief of Software Development, Sakhr Software, Cairo, www.sakhrsoft.com
[25] “Integrating ICTs in Education: A Long term strategy for Poverty Alleviation,” Proceedings of the ESCWA-ILO Forum on Technology, Employment and Poverty
Alleviation in the Arab Countries, Beirut, July 2002.
[26] “Possible ESCWA direct initiatives to promote ICT fro employment and poverty alleviation,” M. Mrayati, ESCWA Regional Advisor, 2002.
[27] “Status of Electronics industry in the Arab region and investment opportunities,” M. Hawari, Proceedings of the 3rd Arab Conference on Electronics and ICT, Tunis,
May 2000.
[28] “Status of Electronics industry in Tunis,” Tunisian Technical Center for Electrical and Mechanical Industry, Proceedings of the 3rd Arab Conference on Electronics
and ICT, Tunis, May 2000.
[29] “Wireless broadband ina box,” Brad Schrick, IEEE Spectrum, June 2002.
[30] “Trends on mobile satellite communications,” A Abuqayyas, Arab Centre of Excellence - ITU Workshop, Damascus, July 2002.
[31] “New Trends in fixed networks: Egypt case study,” A. Elsherbini, O. Mohsen, Egyptian National Communication Institute - ITU Workshop, Damascus, July 2002.
[32] “Technology Trends in communications,” M. Wreikat, Jordanian Telecom Regulatory Commission - ITU Workshop, Damascus, July 2002.
[1]
[2]
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Prof Fouad Mrad, American University of
Beirut - Lebanon
36