intaj News

In an age where technology knows no borders, collaborations between nations assume greater significance”. The continuous partnership between Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the field of Information and Communication Technology is an inspiration of innovation, economic growth and mutual development.  Complementing each other in this domain brings together the strengths of two distinct nations, creating a synergy that promises to shape a brighter future for both countries and the entire region.

Covering over 2 million square kilometres and housing a population of 36 million, Saudi Arabia is a global economic powerhouse. Its GDP of over $1 trillion underscores its financial clout. In contrast, Jordan, with an area of 89,342 square kilometres and a population of 10.5 million, boasts an annual GDP of $47.5 billion. However, the focus here isn’t just on numbers – it’s about leveraging each country’s unique attributes to foster collaboration.

Saudi Arabia’s economic power is not its only strength, it also has a robust ICT sector. With a high GDP per capita, technology is integral to the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which charts a course for its growth. This commitment is evident in Saudi Arabia’s claim to the largest ICT market in the Middle East and North Africa, valued at over $32.1 billion. This sector’s vibrancy sets the stage for far-reaching advancements across various industries. On the other hand, Jordan possesses an ecosystem that nurtures innovation. Access to over 160 countries through Free Trade Agreements and bilateral agreements positions Jordan as a gateway to the world.

The rapid expansion of Jordan’s ICT sector, coupled with incentives like favourable tax rates and subsidised salaries, makes it a hotbed for investors seeking a nurturing environment. The strength of this partnership lies in its potential for cooperation. By participating in relevant events within each other’s borders, Saudi Arabia and Jordan are paving the way for shared learning, innovation and prosperity.

Co-organising events would also lead to a positive impact for both countries. The outcomes of this partnership are not confined to Saudi Arabia and Jordan alone. As both nations invest in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, they create a ripple effect throughout the region. The positive impact goes beyond economic growth, as it fosters greater understanding, cross-cultural collaboration and technological advancements that benefit the entire region. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision, both of which focus on sustainable development and innovation.

By pooling their resources and expertise, these nations are forging a path towards a brighter and more technologically advanced future. As Saudi Arabia and Jordan walk hand in hand towards their shared vision, they underscore the power of collaboration. Their journey highlights the positive impact of participating in each other’s events, co-organising initiatives and events, and aligning their technological goals.

Through unity and innovation, these two nations are not only securing their own futures but contributing to the advancement of the entire Arab world and beyond.

The writer is the Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Association of Jordan – int@

A study conducted by McKinsey revealed that 69 per cent of digital transformation projects fail. Despite this high failure rate, organisations, whether governmental or private sector, continue to invest in these projects due to their utmost importance.

Focusing on these issues and reasons will help us understand why such a significant number of projects fail and provide insights to clients and vendors on overcoming these challenges

The most prominent reasons behind the failure of digital transformation projects include:

Insufficiently defined project goals coupled with poor communication and lack of alignment in expectations. Clients and vendors often initiate projects without a shared vision or a detailed scope encompassing business, operational and technological aspects.

Coordination and alignment of the engaged human resources are crucial. Inconsistencies or disharmony can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations during project execution.

Sudden and unexpected changes or modifications in the project scope can cause chaos in project schedules and budgets, leading to frustration among all stakeholders.

The absence of clear project requirements can create a fertile ground for ambiguity, fostering incorrect and conflicting interpretations. This exacerbates challenges related to trust and accountability, hindering progress and achievement.

Failure to involve all members of the organisation and neglecting capacity-building contribute to the delaying of many projects before completion.

Additionally, the complex collaboration methodoligies between clients and vendors, coupled with the issues arising during execution, can hamper the project’s progress.

For clients, transparency, coordination and open communication are essential. Regular communication with vendors ensures alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

Precision and flexibility are also vital in delineating the project scope. Detailing the project comprehensively while maintaining suitable flexibility for potential changes through open discussions with vendors results in better understanding of the impact of any scope modifications.

Close collaboration with product and project managers who comprehend business needs and technical details, along with documenting project specifications and requirements before and during implementation, greatly prevents misunderstandings or disputes between clients and vendors. This builds trust among all parties and team members. Trust in the chosen vendors’ expertise is crucial to harness updates and feedback.

Appointing proficient project and product managers is equally vital for clients’ success. They act as a vital link between clients and vendors, overseeing timelines, budgets and resource allocation, ensuring smooth communication and timely problem resolution.

Equally important, skilled product managers significantly bridge the gap between clients’ business requirements and the technical aspects of the project. Their profound understanding of market trends, user needs, and industry standards translates business goals into technical specifications, aligning with the client’s vision.

Their collaboration with all parties constitutes a robust leadership framework. While project managers ensure efficient execution, product managers guarantee alignment with strategic objectives. This leadership harmony enhances project coordination, reduces misunderstanding and improves outcomes.

As for vendors, effective communication with clients is crucial. Keeping clients informed about project progress, potential challenges and encouraging them to share their ideas, concerns, suggestions and preferences throughout the project lifecycle is essential. Continuously monitoring scope changes and discussing modifications with clients leads to clear insights into the potential impacts of requested changes, fostering a seamless journey built on trust throughout all project phases.

In conclusion, the substantial cost of failure in digital transformation projects can lead to disappointment for both clients and vendors. Nevertheless, understanding the challenges and opportunities in client-vendor relationships can elevate the chances of success for both parties’ projects.

In light of this, I invite clients and vendors to collaborate more effectively. Through joint efforts, knowledge sharing, and transparency, all can create a more successful future for the transformation to a digital economy.

The writer is the Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Association of Jordan – int@j