Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 15 | Page 40

COUNTRY FOCUS : KSA

W ith Saudi Arabia ’ s National

Transformation Program
( NTP ) estimated to drive spending of SAR 42 billion on related initiatives in 2017 alone , International Data Corporation ( IDC ) has published an in-depth analysis of the program and its anticipated impact on the kingdom ’ s economy and broader society . Titled ‘ Envisioning an ICT-Led Approach to the National Transformation Program for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ’ , the report also examines the global trends that are driving the goals of both the NTP and the kingdom ’ s overarching Vision 2030 initiative .
Vision 2030 sets out a long-term economic blueprint for reducing Saudi Arabia ’ s dependence on oil , strengthening the nation ’ s economy , attracting investment , and improving the lives of its citizens . In line with this , the NTP provides relevant government departments with a detailed roadmap – including regional and global benchmarks , performance indicators , and expected outcomes – for achieving the goals set out by Vision 2030 . This economic transformation will be strongly supported by the kingdom ’ s investment in digital transformation , spanning all vertical markets across both the public and private sectors .
“ Saudi Arabia ’ s leadership has taken the unique step of articulating a clear vision for the country by drafting a comprehensive strategic plan for futureproofing the kingdom ’ s economy ,” says Hamza Naqshbandi , principal analyst at IDC Saudi Arabia . “ Enabling digitalisation across all sectors of the economy will be central to achieving the milestones laid out by the NTP , and the mere existence of this program is confirmation of the kingdom ’ s unwavering commitment to driving change . To this end , both Vision 2030 and the NTP have the potential to cement Saudi Arabia ’ s leading position long into the future , even as global markets continue to experience uncertainty .”
In recent years , IDC has increasingly been tracking global trends such as the rise of smart cities , the integration of emerging technology into healthcare , manufacturing , transport , and other industries , and the use of ICT frameworks to empower publicprivate partnerships and maximise return on investment . And while many countries are embracing such transformation , Saudi Arabia has gone a step further by producing an innovative , holistic strategy that goes into great detail and builds on established best practices to provide a strategic implementation plan that will significantly increase the chance of success .
The IDC report analyses the progress of digital transformation in the kingdom and assesses the potential impact of technology on the new programs outlined by the NTP . It outlines the ways in which digitalisation can enable the goals of the NTP , juxtaposing the current situation with the future possibilities . The report focuses on the visions , initiatives , and programs planned for key areas such as healthcare , tourism ,
logistics , and the SME segment , serving up a commentary on best practices from around the world and providing invaluable guidance for key stakeholders .
“ Vision 2030 and the NTP represent a profound opportunity for Saudi Arabia to transform its institutions and economy , led by HH Mohammed bin Salman and the efforts of numerous public sector entities ,” says Hamad AlSaghir , country manager for IDC Saudi Arabia . “ IDC has a longstanding commitment to the kingdom , and we look forward to supporting the transformation of its economy by leveraging our global expertise , strong in-country presence , and deep understanding of local ICT nuances .”
IDC ’ s report , ‘ Envisioning an ICT- Led Approach to the National Transformation Program for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ’ , was sponsored by Wareef , Hewlett Packard Enterprise , Mobily , and Dell EMC . To download the report , please visit www . idcntreport . com .
40 INTELLIGENTCIO www . intelligentcio . com