Building Knowledge Capacity for Sustainable Development in the Arab World
Prof. Amer Al – Roubaie
Ahlia University, Bahrain
Recent Literature on economic development highlights the importance of knowledge and information in fostering economic growth and speeding up the process of socio-economic transformation. Not only has knowledge become an important factor input in production, but also an important resource for wealth creation. In mot developing countries, the knowledge content in development remains inadequate to support rapid conversion and strengthen productivity diversification. The knowledge gap between rich nations and poor nations is widening, reflecting the inability of the developing countries to build effective development strategies to close the knowledge gap. Development is a complex process of structural changes that require knowledge absorption, technology diffusion, information dissemination and institutional building.
Globalization has given developing countries the option to choose among alternatives in building capacity for sustainable development. Enabling capacity building through knowledge networking allows these countries to make use of global knowledge and foreign technology to foster economic growth and facilitate leapfrogging. Knowledge networking could be used as an effective strategy for decision making as well as the selection of appropriate technologies for development. Rethinking development requires creative ideas that allow changes in the patterns of production and consumption in order to reduce the risk of environment degradation and sustain development
The Arb world must take serious initiative to build knowledge capacity and reduce dependence on global markets. Constructing an effective strategy for sustaining development increase knowledge sharing as well as enhances linkages among and within nations. Undertaking joint programs and formulating collective policies towards environmental management increases the potential for sustainable development. Joint offers maximize the returns on investment for building knowledge capacity and diversify the productive structure.
This paper examines the potential of building knowledge capacity for sustainable development in the Arab world. Most Arab countries are still lacking adequate knowledge infrastructure to enhance the process of development and reduce the risk of environmental degradation. Despite their financial endowments, geographical location and human capital potential, the economic structure of most Arab countries is non-productive in the generation of linkages and fostering rapid economic growth.
Dr. Amer Al – Roubaie, teaches economics at the College of Business and Finance, Ahlia University, Bahrain, email: [email protected]
Ref. International Journal of Innovation and Knowledge Management in Middle East & North Africa, Vol. 2 No. 1, 2013 http://www.cohred.org/wp-content /uploads/2013/02/BUILDING-KNOWLEDGE-CAPACITY-Arab-World.pdf
