Leveraging AI for economic prosperity: A blueprint for Jordan

The world is at the precipice of a revolution, not one of guns and glory but of bits and bytes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the heart of this revolution, promising unprecedented advancements in every facet of life. As we grapple with its promise, two sectors, jobs and education, demand special attention. For Jordan, a nation with a young, tech-savvy population and a keen desire for progress, this offers challenges and tremendous opportunities.

AI’s impact on the job market is undeniable, with its potential to augment and automate various occupations. Research by PwC suggests that AI could automate approximately 30 per cent of jobs by the 2030s. However, the picture is not solely one of doom and gloom. AI is equally poised to create new industries and roles, necessitating a nuanced understanding of the technology’s impact.

Jobs in AI, machine learning, data science, and robotics are burgeoning globally. With its impressive strides in information technology, Jordan has the potential to become a regional hub for these professions. The government’s role, therefore, should be to foster an environment conducive to technological innovation and talent cultivation.

Significant actions can be undertaken to harness AI for job creation. Firstly, the government can promote investment in AI technology through favourable tax policies and startup funding opportunities. Encouraging multinational corporations to set up AI research and development centres in Jordan will bring employment and catalyse technology transfer and local capacity building.

Secondly, the government can also adopt an AI-readiness strategy for the workforce. This would involve active collaboration with the industry to understand future skill requirements and align these with education and training provisions. Herein lies the crucial role of education in shaping Jordan’s AI future.

AI presents an exciting opportunity to rethink our education systems. The objective should be two-fold: To equip students with AI-specific skills and to cultivate a workforce resilient to automation. This necessitates a paradigm shift in education from rote learning to fostering critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Instituting AI as a part of the curriculum from an early age could spark interest and foster a generation of AI natives. Alongside this, providing regular teacher training on AI advancements will ensure that education remains on the frontline of change. Moreover, developing massive open online courses (MOOCs) on AI in Arabic could democratise access to this essential knowledge.

Nevertheless, the role of AI in education transcends its subject matter. AI can transform education delivery through personalised learning, predicting student performance, and automating administrative tasks. AI’s potential in remote learning is especially pertinent for Jordan, where the refugee crisis has strained educational resources. AI-powered e-learning could ensure that quality education is accessible, regardless of location or circumstances.

The government has a crucial role in realising this vision. A comprehensive national AI strategy encompassing job creation, education reform and ethical AI use should be on the political agenda. Such a strategy must be inclusive, considering the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Equally, collaboration with global AI initiatives will ensure that Jordan actively shapes the global AI narrative.

Additionally, it is essential to foster a robust ethical and legal framework around AI. As AI permeates every aspect of life, issues surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias and the digital divide come to the fore. Having stringent regulations that protect civil rights while encouraging innovation can make Jordan a trusted leader in the AI sphere.

In conclusion, while the AI revolution brings significant challenges for Jordan, it also provides a pathway to a prosperous future. By cultivating an AI-ready workforce, transforming education, and fostering an innovation-friendly environment, Jordan can turn the AI tide to its advantage. 

The age of AI is not a dystopian vision of man versus machine but a vista of man and machine working together to build a better world. 

As the sands of the global economy shift, Jordan can lead the charge in the AI revolution, setting a beacon of progress in the Middle East and beyond.

The writer is a researcher in AI and consumer psychology, and a lecturer