Digital transformation
Has the Middle East kept pace with the latest technologies required for the region's digital transformation?
“An analysis of Middle Eastern information technology spending, specifically within the Gulf Cooperation Council nations, reveals these countries’ economies are between developed and developing.
“What we see with our interaction with governments and private enterprise customers is that the most mature organisations proactively keep pace with the latest technologies. On some aspects the region is even ahead of other further ‘developed’ economic regions.”
What are the main challenges the region faces as it undergoes this transformation?
“Many of these technologies spring from start-ups, research labs, universities and so on. This region is no different in the sense that technologies are springing up from all over the world and it takes time for them to become widely adopted. This means the skill-sets needed are initially hard to find. The region will have to build and attract scarce digital talent, the so-called digirati.”
Many companies are focusing on digital and the tech market is crowded. Is it reaching saturation point?
“My view is that providers which clearly articulate their value propositions and ride the digital wave will emerge as the vendors of choice. The market is growing constantly, as more areas in business and private life are affected by the digital transformation.”
Digital transformation requires collaboration. Is this happening regionally?
“We are seeing the necessary collaboration take place. Governments around the region are now actively pursuing smart city projects – and are asking various ministries and departments to collaborate. On the other side, providers too are collaborating regionally, as complex requirements need multiple technologies.”
Where do you foresee the future as technology continues to evolve?
“Globally, 2014 was a landmark year in which the number of mobile devices overtook the number of human beings including every man, woman and child in existence.
“Innovation seeks to provide the platforms and data management to derive maximum benefits from this new, hyper connected world. It will bring immense benefits to a rapidly urbanising, moving and ageing human race.
“While we will cumulatively feel the benefit, a word of caution is in order around controls on data privacy, security and management, which also need to be addressed.”