The Arab region has been a cradle of economic growth in recent decades. While this growth has clearly brought in wealth, there are still countless questions about the characteristics, constraints and implications of the region’s systems of innovation. Do these systems even exist in the Arab region? How do prevailing economic structures affect regional innovation? Is the presence of natural resources a help or a hindrance?
A new book on the ‘Economic Systems of Innovation in the Arab Region‘, by UNU-MERIT’s Dr. Samia Mohamed Nour, discusses the causes, consequences and implications of poor systems of innovation in the Middle East and North Africa. By examining the comparative weakness of innovation, the economic structure, and the diversity of the region, Mohamed Nour shows that the development of Arab regional systems of innovation relies on the development of sound economic policies and incentives. The author’s contribution is key for students and scholars of economics, innovation and international relations.
Set for publication on 9 March 2016, the book is based in part on research conducted during Mohamed Nour’s time as a visiting fellow at UNU-MERIT, from October 2010 to December 2011. The book draws in particular from two UNU-MERIT working papers, firstly on ‘Regional systems of innovation in the Arab region,’ and secondly on ‘Arab regional systems of innovation: characteristics and implications’. See below for more information, including the abstract in both Arabic and English.
ABSTRACT
MEDIA CREDITS
Palgrave Macmillan; Albert González Farran/UNAMID