The Real Issues of the Middle East and the Arab Spring

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xix

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2. Introduction

   • Thomas Andersson, Abdelkader Djeflat

   Pages 1-16

3. DEFINING THE NEED OF REFORM: SPECIAL CONTEXT, BENCHMARKING AND BEST PRACTICES

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 17-17

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   2. The Changing Landscape of the Middle East

      • Thomas Andersson, Abdelkader Djeflat

      Pages 19-57

   3. Capacity Building, Rationale and Learning from Best Practice

      • Thomas Andersson, Abdelkader Djeflat

      Pages 59-93

   4. Basics on Benchmarking

      • Thomas Andersson, Abdelkader Djeflat

      Pages 95-110

   5. Examining Performance

      • Thomas Andersson, Abdelkader Djeflat

      Pages 111-127

   6. Measuring Performance in GCC and Selected MENA Countries: In-Depth Considerations of Implementation

      • Thomas Andersson, Abdelkader Djeflat

      Pages 129-166

4. ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 167-167

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   2. The Relevance of Science and Technology for the Arab Spring and the Key Role of the Knowledge Economy

      • Abdelkader Djeflat

      Pages 169-193

   3. Research, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Rentier Culture in the Arab Countries

      • Omar Bizri

      Pages 195-227

   4. S&T Innovation Systems: The Role of Manufacturing, Institutions and Leaders

      • Eoin O’Sullivan

      Pages 229-240

   5. Innovation in the Public Sector: Experiences in E-Procurement and University Research

      • Andrea Prat, Erina Ytsma

      Pages 241-257

   6. New Perspectives on Health Issues, Research and Innovation

      • Kazem Behbehani, Peter F. Beales

      Pages 259-273

   7. A Research and Development Framework for Sustainable Development in the GCC Countries

      • Thomas Andersson, John D. Liu

      Pages 275-295

5. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: LEVERAGING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 297-297

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   2. Research Priorities and Their Impact on the National Innovation System

      • Cristina Flesia

      Pages 299-313

   3. ICT Convergence and Europe’s Digital Agenda 2010–2020

      • Sylviane Toporkoff

      Pages 315-330

   4. Establishing a New Framework for Lifelong Learning

      • Mohammed Chaib

      Pages 331-347

   5. University-Industry Cooperation and Conditions for Start-Ups

      • David Audretsch, Ahmed Alshumaimri, Taylor Aldridge

      Pages 349-358

The wave of protests and populist uprisings in the Middle East has heightened the focus on a volatile region. But the emphasis on political issues has obscured underlying issues concerning education, infrastructure, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic and social development. This volume, emerging in the aftermath of a conference and workshop on science and technology in the region, presents contributions from a range of experts from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States to provide fresh new insights and perspectives on the challenges and prospects for regional development in the changing global context of our time. The authors explore such topics as: the role of information and communication technologies; mindset change in support of investment in intangible assets and risk-taking; how to approach cultural issues, institutions and governance; collaborations with other regions, and; benchmarking performance while drawing lessons of relevance for the special local context. Ultimately, they offer a number of precise policy recommendations and practical insights for creating an enabling environment for capturing economic, political, and social opportunity.

• Arab Spring
• Benchmarking
• Development economics
• Economic Development
• Entprepreneurship
• Infrastructure
• Innovation
• Knowledge Management
• Middle East
• Research and development (R&D)
• Sustainable development

• Jönköping Int. Business School, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden

  Thomas Andersson

• Villeneuve d'Ascq, France

  Abdelkader Djeflat

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