grow adds digital dimension

The necessary technology infrastructure and digital standards required to service an ‘always on’ culture requires speedy implementation if Qatar is to remain at the vanguard of new technology and business growth in the region.

From a development perspective, Qatar needs to embrace technological innovation from granddad to grandson. This extends from websites that are not fit for purpose, unimaginative and dull, to mobile phone network coverage. The ‘price issue has to move towards the ‘value’ issue i.e. technology is not a cost; rather it’s a necessity to service a burgeoning population as Qatar competes for business globally.

So what is the roadmap for improvement? Education, knowledge sharing, transparency and active participation are pre-requisites from top down to bottom up. There is still a cultural and generational divide, and until this investment of time and channeled funding has time to take effect, the serious risk is that Qatar will suffer a digital divide and lose its sense of competitiveness regionally.

Digital is not an afterthought. It is imperative and one-dimensional websites have to become integrated online presences allowing businesses to have a 1 to 1 dialogue with customers, suppliers and shareholders and not one to many. The technology will create greater transparency and accountability in terms of measuring performance and activity thus providing an opportunity for improvement. Clearly many challenges lie ahead, but at least now Qatar is showing promise and initiative through the work of Qatar Foundation and ICT Qatar to address the digital divide and make real steps towards necessary change. A change to impact everybody’s lives for the good.