Supporting and nurturing entrepreneurs has proven time and again that it is key to further economic development and prosperity. In Jordan, ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC) organized from July to November four workshops and policy roundtables to evaluate the nature of the country’s entrepreneurship sector, discuss the challenges faced, and propose feasible solutions based on the entrepreneurship ecosystem map developed by the Centre.
The workshops mapped the key actors working in the field of entrepreneurship in Jordan and discussed issues that range from community challenges to internationalization, and innovative ecosystems.
“These workshops are only the threshold for many to come with a view to establish a stronger community,” ETC Executive Director Kareem Hassan promised. “Entrepreneurship is key to an innovative and prosperous community, and ETC aims to continue fostering this environment alongside its partners to create a stronger and thriving economy and ensure a more inclusive future for all,” he added.
The workshops verified the data of Jordan's entrepreneurial ecosystem and established a country-based national taskforce. The ecosystem map featured about 300 organizations and over 600 entrepreneurial programs and initiatives in Jordan, which are planned to formulate the taskforce aimed to discuss with policymakers how to support micro, small and medium enterprises and rebuild trust, resilience, and economic growth after the devastating effects of COVID-19 in the region.
Discussions revolved around the methods to improve existing government and non-government entrepreneurial programs in Jordan and support national incubators and public enablers to mentor and coach local startups to scale regionally.
Highlighting the importance of transparency, former Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Maha Ali asserted that great efforts are being put into fostering entrepreneurship in Jordan, namely easing work permits processes. She stressed the need for a joint reference point within the entrepreneurship sector, in order to achieve unity and avoid duplicity.
Participants, including government officials and local entrepreneurs, agreed on a set of recommendations, including emphasis on the importance of partnership among different national sectors, raising awareness on researches and knowledge in the educational system, and providing coaching platforms for entrepreneurs.
