Qatar Keen to Boost Tech Advancements
Qatar is on a mission to enhance its technological landscape as part of its broader agenda to diversify its economy. Recognizing the transformative power of technology, the nation is setting its sights on becoming a knowledge-driven economy. This strategic shift is geared towards the development of various sectors, ensuring a robust and dynamic approach to economic growth.
In an enlightening dialogue, Anatoly Motkin, President of StrategEast, highlighted the growing digital collaboration between Qatar and Ukraine, emphasizing its mutual benefits. According to Motkin, the Ukrainian IT industry’s resilience and its substantial contribution to global digital services, including those provided to Fortune 500 companies, positions it as an ideal partner for Qatar’s ambitious digital transformation goals.
Motkin outlined a tripartite strategy for the collaboration. Firstly, he noted the provision of digital services by Ukrainian companies across diverse sectors in Qatar, beyond the traditional oil and gas industry. Secondly, the impressive startup pipeline in Ukraine presents Qatar with an opportunity to attract and retain foreign talent, thereby importing new technologies developed in Ukraine. Lastly, he pointed to the GovTech platform ‘Diaa,’ developed in Ukraine, as a model for Qatar to potentially adopt and adapt, leveraging its human-centric approach to governance.
The conversation also touched upon Qatar’s national strategic plans for 2024 to 2030, which align with the country’s vision to become a leader in technology and innovation across all fields. The National Vision 2030 underscores Qatar’s commitment to leveraging technology for advancement, including sectors like agritech and fintech.
Motkin reflected on the significance of Qatar hosting key global events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the upcoming Web Summit Qatar 2024, suggesting these platforms position Qatar as a sprinter and leader in the tech domain among other areas.
He further referenced the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs’ announcement during the Web Summit about a $1bn fund dedicated to fostering local and regional entrepreneurs. This initiative underscores the prioritization of technological development in Qatar’s strategic agenda.
Looking ahead, Motkin expressed optimism about Qatar’s potential to evolve from a consumer to a provider of digital services. He envisioned a symbiotic relationship between Qatar and Ukraine, leading to the development of a vibrant ecosystem not only for product companies but also for digital services companies.
Emphasizing the value of knowledge in today’s economy, Motkin praised Qatar’s shift towards a knowledge-driven economy. He expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative opportunities between Qatar and Ukraine, aiming to support and amplify Qatar’s efforts in harnessing technology for economic and social advancement.
