Jordan ranked 5th regionally, 70th globally in digital competitiveness

AMMAN — The Kingdom is ranked fifth regionally and 70th globally in digital competitiveness, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Hanandeh revealed on Tuesday.

During the ministry’s meeting with start-ups and entrepreneurial enterprises on Tuesday, Hanandeh noted that despite Jordan’s limited resources, the Kingdom has occupied a high ranking as a digitally competitive country.

“To be ranked fifth in the region is okay, but further investment is necessary in order to accelerate Jordan’s digital transformation,” economist Husam Ayesh told The Jordan Times on Wednesday. 

Ayesh noted that the countries that preceded Jordan in the ranking possibly have a stronger economy.

“Digital transformation is a process — not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Therefore, there is a need for substantial investment in digital development training in order to acquaint people with the best ways to handle the process,” Ayesh added, noting that there are still many less digitalised or traditional sectors that did not adopt new technologies or transformations in Jordan.

Rapid global digital transformation requires “harmonious economic environments” with clear digital strategies, and not “random choices”, the economist added. “This would make the digital transformation more likely to succeed”.

Commenting on Jordan’s ranking, economist Waseem Hussein told The Jordan Times that “digital transformation speeds up economic development and supports improved governance and service delivery in all sectors”.

Digital transformation demands having a clear strategy and mindset, as well as a strong economy, he said. “Digital transformation is a top priority for Jordan, as it would enable the Kingdom to have a more advanced economy in this fast paced world”.

The Jordan Times contacted the ministry’s spokesperson on Wednesday, but she was not available to comment.