E What is Jordan’s overall information technology strategy?
At its inception back in 1999, int@j’s efforts were directed to devise a comprehensive framework for the ICT sector of Jordan in response to a challenge put forward by his Majesty King Abdullah II in 1999 for the private and public sector to prioritize the development of the IT sector. The outcome was the REACH initiative (Jordan’s ICT blueprint) that was devised by int@j and supported by the Ministry of ICT and non-governmental donors (AMIR-USAID). The REACH Initiative focused on modernizing Jordan’s regulatory framework, enabling environment, advancement programs and human resources.
During 2007, Jordan’s ICT sector accomplished a gigantic step toward a better and more prosperous future by launching the National ICT Strategy (2007–2011) to produce a comprehensive and market-driven ICT strategy that benefits the country as a whole. Similar to the 1999 REACH initiative, the National ICT Strategy (NIS) was blessed with His Majesty King Abdullah II’s endorsement and support. The Ministry of ICT and other non-governmental donors such as the USAID-funded SABEQ played critical roles in the development of this strategy.
With the creation of Jordan’s NIS, int@j led the sector and key stakeholders towards an ambitious future for the ICT industry. Throughout the implementation of its five-year strategy, Jordan envisages the creation of 35,000 ICT jobs, increased revenues of $3 billion, and 50% internet usage rate amongst Jordanians.
E Speaking of NIS, what is its implementation methodology and what have you achieved so far in the past few months?
The National ICT Strategy is written in the form of an actions-oriented strategic and tactical plan, with int@j being commissioned to publish quarterly reports that describe progress achieved, hurdles faced, and the means that will be implemented to overcome them.
In order to achieve its strategic objectives, NIS was divided into four pillars: regulation and investment, labor issues and education, research and development and connectivity. Our pillars have been actively at work to realize the strategy’s vision and objectives, and here I’d like to thank our volunteers for their relentless efforts and contributions.
Among the significant achievements that our pillars have accomplished so far are: identifying companies that offer quality certification services thus assisting Jordanian ICT firms to upgrade their businesses and quality assurance processes for increased efficiency, quality, and certifications thereof; successfully advocating the extension of income tax exemption of export services to the year 2015; creating opportunities for internships for women in the ICT sector through HM Queen Rania’s Initiative on Empowering Women; establishing relationships and cooperation between the private sector and the universities to assist in building more ICT relevant curricula; and creating opportunities for private sector organizations to embrace and participate in classrooms thus building a base of prepared graduates for ICT roles.
Furthermore, the strategy has initiated critical steps toward amending existing legislation to ensure the adequate protection of intellectual property rights, such as: beginning dialog on the issues of increasing internship opportunities and starting to offer incentives for companies that work with universities; establishing cooperation with the TRC to promote market competition through numerous new regulations such as an initial high-level offer of unbundled local loop services to increase competitiveness among all providers; maintaining ongoing dialog regarding appropriate pricing and service models accompanied by increased cooperation; developing an action plan to articulate the costs and mechanisms for providing each student with a computer for them to use.
Progress towards the National Strategy will be gradual. Implementation of the strategy requires dedication and commitment from all stakeholders, including industry, government, the higher education sector and int@j.
E How big is the Jordanian ICT sector? How much did it grow in the past years?
We have come a long way. It seems like yesterday when, back in 1999, a small group was called for a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah to discuss establishing an IT industry that harnesses our most precious resources, our human resources. Back then, our total industry turnover was less than $300 million, employment across the sector was below 1250, our telecom infrastructure was seriously lagging behind and investments were close to zero.
At first it seemed like an insurmountable task, yet realizing we had the country’s leadership behind us we took advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and embarked on a journey that redefined our lives, gave hope and opportunity to the youth of our nation, and equally important, proved that private sector leading initiatives with full government backing is truly the only way forward. As a result of His Majesty’s vision, the government’s support, and our collective efforts, total ICT turnover is now close to $2 billion with exports over $200 million, and employment around 15,000. The ICT sector represented around 12% of GDP, back in the year 2000, $250 million; today it stands at $1.8 billion. This sector has grown 50% year after year for the past years. Yet, this is not enough.
E As we speak, int@j will soon celebrate its eighth anniversary. How do you think these past years went and what is its initiative for 2008?
The Information Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) has grown from 21 members in 2000 to over 110 today. Membership is open to all companies operating in Jordan in the fields of software development, support, application, telecommunications, value added assembly, and distribution of ICT products and services. It is also open for suppliers and users to these industries, universities, and others supporting ICT training and promotion. Int@j’s members range from the largest software developers to smaller start-up companies.
While in fact a lot has been accomplished, we believe a lot more can and should be done, particularly in the areas of academia and industry cooperation, sector capacity building and bridging the digital divide to ensure all Jordanians have an equal opportunity to share in and contribute towards transforming Jordan into a true knowledge based economy.
The year 2008 will present additional and new challenges in accomplishing more and more of the strategy’s objectives and targets. The list of tasks is long and tedious, but by continuing to work together in harmony and dedication I am more than confident in that we will celebrate yet another successful year next anniversary. Int@j is poised to undergo a number of fundamental changes which will substantially boost the association’s value proposition and offerings to its members and stakeholders. This year will witness a new influx of member services that foster networking, create business opportunities, and support our members in strengthening their organizations’ capacities and capabilities. We also plan to establish int@j as the ICT sector’s official and most trusted information hub, advocate vividly on behalf of the sector, and engage in a rich menu of services that are designed to meet our members’ needs and expectations from their association.
This year’s most celebrated accomplishment will be the fourth Jordan ICT Forum, scheduled December 2008. Once again, this event will showcase the capabilities and strengths of our growing industry in a format that is appropriate for our sector. In addition to valuable networking opportunities with regional and global industry leaders, the informative panel discussions and keynote speakers will offer ample information about global ICT trends and developments.
