True Development in the Middle East through Sustainable Technology

Introduction

In the past few years, numerous research experiences and initiatives have been conducted concerning the importance of digital transformation and the role of cybersecurity in the Middle East. Digital transformation is continuous and is often accompanied by economic development, education innovations, gender equality, and the protection of data (Roberts, 2020). The Middle East already exhibits a robust digital transformation with regions such as Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain reaping the fruits of innovation through technological development (Akaey et al., 2017). There is a need for more innovative technological developments such as IoT, Big Data Analytics, virtualization, software-designed defined networking, and machine learning to help in every sector. This paper proposes a prospectus proposal to analyze and promote digital transformation in the Middle East to enhance development in terms of gender inequality, innovation, online learning, and education. I will also incorporate, a literature review on technological development in the Middle East, a research plan, research-driven models for technological development, and the anticipated benefits and challenges of the entire project.

Literature Review

Current literature shows that digital transformation can significantly enhance different sectors in the Middle. According to Al-Baag & Shinawah (2021), almost every Middle Eastern country is moving towards e-commerce and digital transformation and with more expansions, these countries may thrive beyond other countries in the world. Digital transformation will provide employment opportunities to disenfranchised youths and women entrepreneurs who have been excluded from the traditional workforce in the Middle East. Gender equality will be achieved as the exponential growth of technology will create opportunities for women to take part in economic development (Hajimirrahimi, Dezfuli & Teimouri, 2019). Technological advancements will enable them to access new markets for exports and imports which will connect them to innovative women around the world. It will also help close the skills gap since women will be trained in leadership and business.  In another study, Kihombo et al. (2021) articulate that internet-enabled devices, cloud computing, and 3D printing will lead to automation of business tasks. The construction and energy sectors will also significantly benefit since 40% of their tasks will be automated. In places like Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan, digital transformation will help flourish bank sectors through digital applications that will automate data processing, payments, and customer interactions. Akaey et al. (2017) conducted a study on the benefits of technological expansions in the middle east and found that with digital transformation, Online Learning Environments will be established and education systems will be enhanced. With digital transformation, people of the middle east can easily access information from Online Learning Environments. This will help improve their civic-mindedness, citizen’s satisfaction, and political stability. People can also learn a lot about human nature, problems affecting their country, and health. In their study Al-Baag, & Shinawah (2021), purports those technological expansions will enable education sectors to take significant initiatives in offering services to students through the internet as a result of the flexibility of learning everywhere. Digital transformation will ring Middle East opportunities as well as threats. Cybersecurity risks may arise with digitalization and they must take into consideration effective ways of enhancing securing (Roberts, 2020). Understanding cybersecurity is critical for Middle East countries to avoid breaches. It will be good for them to implement security practices and data protection including raising awareness on the issue.

Research Plan

This study will examine development in the Middle East through digital transformation. Specifically, it will look into how digital transformation will enhance development in terms of gender inequality, innovation, online learning, and education. Data will be collected through online surveys, reporting, and case studies. The target population will be random Middle Eastern citizens of 18 years and above selected through SurveyMonkey. The survey will be administered to participants through web links, emails, Facebook, Twitter, and website Popups. We will source data for reporting from newspapers, NGO reports, and website articles. Also, case studies will be used to get accurate and reliable information concerning digital transformation in the Middle East.

Anticipated Challenges and Benefits

Several challenges are anticipated in conducting this study. One of the challenges is communication challenges. Online communication with participants may be challenging especially when they are not fully prepared. Also, there is the issue of time management. Pending time to learn skills and implement proactive measures may take a lot of time. Despite the challenges, this study will lead to many benefits including providing significant solutions to challenges faced by Middle Eastern countries such as gender inequality and poor education. The information gathered can also be used for development in different sectors and overall transformation in the Middle East.

References

Akaev, A., Korotayev, A., Issaev, L., & Zinkina, J. (2017). Technological development and protest waves: Arab spring as a trigger of the global phase transition?. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 116, 316-321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2016.08.009

Al-Baag, Q. M. A., & Shinawah, S. M. (2021). The Impact of Technological Innovation on Improving the Financial Performance of Iraqi Commercial Banks: An Empirical Study. Journal for Administrative and Economic Sciences, 23(1), (2021), DOI.33916/23.1.2021/84-98

Hajimirrahimi, S. D., Dezfuli, A. M., & Teimouri, M. (2019). Determining factors and strategies of establishment and institutionalization of commercialization technological achievements system (the case of Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad’s Research and Education Centers). Iranian Agricultural Extension and Education Journal, 15(1). DOI: 10.22034/IAEEJ.2019.93524

Kihombo, S., Ahmed, Z., Chen, S., Adebayo, T. S., & Kirikkaleli, D. (2021). Linking financial development, economic growth, and ecological footprint: what is the role of technological innovation?. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 1(1), 1-11.

Roberts, M. H. P. (2020). An urban profile of the Middle East (First Edition). London: Routledge.