The Arab region has become a hotbed of economic growth in recent decades. While this growth has indisputably brought in wealth, there are still countless questions about the characteristics, constraints, and implications of the region's systems of innovation. Do these systems even exist in the Arab region? How does the current economic structure affect regional innovation? Is the presence of natural resources a help or a hindrance? Economic Systems of Innovation in the Arab Region discusses the causes, consequences, and implications of poor systems of innovation in the Middle East and North Africa. By examining the comparative weakness of innovation, the economic structure, and the diversity of the region, Nour shows that the development of Arab regional systems of innovation is contingent upon the development of adequate economic policies and incentives in the area. Her contribution is key for students and scholars of economics, innovation, and international relations.

Autorentext
Dr. Samia Satti Osman Mohamed Nour is Affiliated Researcher at United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), Netherlands, and Associate Professor of Economics at Khartoum University, Sudan. She received her PhD in Economics from Maastricht University (Netherlands) in 2005. She is the author of Technological Change and Skill Development in Sudan (2013), Technological Change and Skill Development in Arab Gulf Countries (2013), and Information and Communication Technology in Sudan (2015), and co-author of the Arab States Chapter of the UNESCO Science Report (2015). Dr. Nour has worked as Economic Consultant for international institutions such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), ILO, OECD, UNDP, UNFPA and UNECA. She was a member of the advisory committee for the UNDP Third Arab Knowledge Report 2014. She received the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development Distinguished Scholar Award and Post Doctoral Fellowship (2010-2011) and the University of Khartoum Scientific Excellence Award Prize in Humanities and Educational Studies (in the field of Economics) (2013).

Inhalt

1. General Introduction
2. Economic Development Challenges in the Arab Region and the Need for Promoting the Systems of Innovation
3. Conceptual Framework and Literature Review
4. Overview of National Systems of Innovation in the Arab Countries
5. Overview of Regional Systems of Innovation in the Arab Region
6. Implications of poor systems of innovation in the Arab region
7. Summary and Conclusions