Today, Knowledge is considered as the driver of productivity and economic growth. This incremental role impacts on the importance of information, technology and learning in economic performance.

Engaging ISESCO’s Member’s States in a knowledge economy model involves the implementation of a number of key cross-sectoral reforms that can create an incentivizing environment for innovation and growth. Such an endeavor requires the adoption of a combination of policies like developing more open and entrepreneurial economies, preparing a more skilled labor force, improving innovation and research capabilities, and expanding information and communication technologies (ICT) and their applications.

ICPSR, through its activities, encourages Knowledge transfer for ISESCO Member’s States which is another important piece of the knowledge economy model, essential in organizing, creating and disseminating knowledge in order to enhance productivity that in turn offers higher and sustainable economic growth.

For the next period, major programs are underway:

• Developing Key Performance Indicators for Arab Science and Technology Parks 2.0″, Egypt, April 2017.
• “Science and Technology Park Development: A challenge for the African Region”, July 2017.
•  “Islamic Perspective on Science’s Big Questions”, May 2016.
• “Improving the Quality of Education in MENA Countries”, 2018.
• “Digital Economy and Economic Development”, October 2018.

Taking these elements into consideration, a World Bank-CMI and ISESCO report titled “Transforming Arab Economies: Traveling the Knowledge and Innovation Road” was launched in 2013. This report shows how an economy based on innovation and knowledge can help promote greater economic growth and spur competitiveness, creating new enterprises and jobs.

The report also describes how regional integration is a positive asset to develop a strong knowledge economy development model in MENA Region that would help to expand trade and develop more efficient labor markets. In short, the report proposes a knowledge and innovation-driven model at the heart of new development strategies in the Arab region.