Ahead of the curve: Tech of tomorrow

CEOs have been asking questions about how their businesses can remain competitive in the era of disruption. More and more, the answer lies in a set of inter-related innovations commonly referred to as emerging technologies, although now increasingly mainstreamed.

- DAVID NDICHU

The six technologies that lend themselves to the emerging technology definition – AI, IoT, blockchain, chatbot, 5G and AR – are important for economies and businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition and evolve.

Gulf countries are some of the leading nations globally in adopting emerging technologies. This can be primarily credited to the ambitious national ICT strategies established by these countries very early on. The UAE, for instance, has developed the National AI Programme and appointed the world’s first minister for AI in 2017 to ensure further investment and application of artificial intelligence.

The Huawei Global Connectivity Index (GCI) 2020 positioned all the GCC countries in the ‘adopter’ cluster of the index, recognising them for commendable work in prioritising their IT budgets and investments.

Covid-19 has further accelerated digitisation across sectors like education and healthcare in GCC countries, observes Li Xiangyu, vice president of Huawei Middle East. “During the pandemic, 5G provided connectivity for remote offices and education to tens of thousands of families with little fibre coverage across the GCC. In Kuwait for example, more than 500 schools are connected by 5G to ensure the best learning experience for students and teachers,” Xiangyu adds.

Ambition and optimism are essential in embracing emerging technology, says Lars Littig, managing director and partner, BCG. The GCC is fortunately not lacking in both.