Amer Al-Roubaie

Building a knowledge-based economy in the Muslim world: The critical role of innovation and technological learning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of innovation and technological learning in building a knowledge-based economy in the Muslim world. Despite abundant financial and human capital, most Muslim countries still lack adequate scientific and technological infrastructure to absorb, apply and create knowledge and disseminate information. Design/methodology/approach – Using various major international institutions’ databases (UN, World Bank, OCED, etc.), a holistic approach is used to analyse the critical role of science, technology and innovation to build a knowledge-based economy in Muslim countries. Findings – This paper examines the main challenges facing Muslim countries to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and technological learning. In doing so, a framework for building an effective innovation system that will achieve a knowledge-based economy in Muslim countries is presented, taking into account a variety of international, institutional and intellectual perspectives. Originality/value – Given the scarcity of information and data about the subject area on Muslim countries, the study uses several sources of secondary data which are considered the most valid and reliable data available internationally about the subject.

Building indigenous knowledge capacity for development

The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in development. The paper focuses on the role that IK and local cultural values play in the process of development. Currently, knowledge, information, science and technology used in development are produced in developed countries without heed being paid to their impact on the local environment. IK, although often short‐shirted, establishes a harmonious relationship between the social system and the environment in any given developing countries. Access to global knowledge is vital for supporting IK as well as for sustaining development.

An assessment of international liquidity and higher oil prices

Energy represents an important component of production costs and therefore, an increase in energy prices directly impacts economic productivity, unemployment, inflation, and balance of payments equilibrium – often engendering currency devaluations. Until recently, the growth in demand for conventional fuels, mainly oil and gas, has widened imbalances between demand for and supply of energy. The effects of the surge in oil prices ripple across the entire global economy resulting in a redistribution of international liquidity. The latter creates global imbalances characterized by increasing balance of payment deficits and deteriorating the terms of trade, reducing the flow of non‐energy goods and services and increasing uncertainty of future global transactions. The aim of this paper is to shed some light on the impact of higher fuel prices on global liquidity management.

Sustaining development in the GCC countries: the impact of technology transfer

The failure of conventional development to combat poverty has given rise to the concept of sustainable development. After decades of experience with Western economic models, the non-industrialised countries continue to suffer from inadequate economic stimulus to sustain growth. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of the Arabian Gulf are newly emerging states intending to obtain developed countries status and to manage globalisation. Technology transfer could provide alternative means for rapid growth and sustaining development by substituting capital for labour. To this end, vigorous policy measures and strong government backing must be introduced if these countries will have a chance for achieving their objectives.

Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery: An Approach for Sustaining Development in GCC Countries

The aim of this paper is to discuss the importance of data mining in sustaining development in GCC countries. As a new technique, data mining enhances the potential of knowledge discovery for improving environmental management and facilitating socio-economic transformation. Knowledge creation and information dissemination have become necessary for human endeavors. In the Arab world, the digital divide remains a matter of concern to policy makers, businesses and academicians. Building capacity driven by modern ICTs could help in closing the knowledge gap and sustain development.

ICTs and poverty alleviation in Muslim societies

Poverty remains amongst the most important challenges facing Muslim countries today. Although poverty is a relative concept, in economics, it is measured as the income required to meet an individuals basic needs. On average, a Muslim earns about US

Bridging the Knowledge Divide in GCC Countries: The Role of Digital Technologies

2000 per annum or less than half of the world average. Almost one third of Muslims live on less than US

Knowledge transfer for sustainable development: East-West collaboration?

2 a day reflecting the extent of deprivation and the state of underdevelopment in Muslim societies.

Poverty reduction in the Arab world: the use of ICTs

In recent years, emphasis in development studies has shifted toward knowledge creation and innovation that fosters economic growth and sustain development. Globalization is offering new opportunities, especially for developing countries, to acquire knowledge, information and skills for building capacity for development. Modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) are empowering countries to diversify the economic structure and enhance sectoral productivity through access to global markets. In this age of information, individuals, organizations and institutions are able to enhance communication and increase collaboration through social networking aimed at promoting innovation and improving global competitiveness. Digital technologies can be used to bridge the digital divide between rich and poor countries as a mechanism designed not only to increase connectivity and improve services, but also to facilitate innovation and capacity building for development. The aim of this paper is to examine the role that digital technologies plays in economic diversification in GCC countries. Digital technologies encourage investment in manufacturing production and knowledge creation, which stimulates linkages and support diversification. To this end, building capacity for digital economy could have a profound impact on the ability of these countries to speed up the process of socioeconomic transformation involving reduction of dependency on oil production.

The Financial Implications of Economic Sanctions against Iraq

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential impact that collaboration between East and West could have on sustainable development. Greater emphasis in this paper will be placed on the benefit that developing countries gain from building collaborative relations with the West. Obtaining access to knowledge and technology will enable developing countries to speed up the process of socio-economic transformation and sustain development. Developing countries can leapfrog by making use of the existing knowledge in the West. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides descriptive assessment of the relationship between East and West to foster growth and sustain development. The paper uses newly developed ideas to build capacity for knowledge transfer to create linkages and accelerate the process of economic growth. The approach to knowledge-based development requires the creation of an enabling environment driven by skills, innovation, institutions and ICT. Findings – The paper suggests t...