Jordan: Former Prime Minister calls for AI-driven educational reforms

Jordan former Prime Minister Adnan Badran has urged the nation’s higher education and scientific institutions to better equip young Jordanians for a digitally-driven and artificial intelligence-centric economy.

The call to action came during the Economic Conference on Digital Economy and Technology, which commenced in Amman on Saturday.

Addressing the opening session, Badran emphasized the urgent need for universities and scientific organizations to develop programs that align with the ongoing digital transformation in Jordan. “Younger generations of Jordanians must keep pace with global trends,” he asserted, according to the Jordan News Agency.

Badran pointed out that this educational shift aligns seamlessly with Jordan’s 2021-2025 National Digital Transformation Strategy. The strategy seeks to modernize the country’s economy by creating an attractive investment infrastructure, generating jobs, eradicating unemployment and poverty, and bolstering research, development, creativity, and innovation sectors.

The conference, hosted by the Jordan Society for Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity (JSSREC) in collaboration with Petra University, showcased Jordan’s potential for regional leadership in innovation. JSSREC chief Reda Khawaldeh highlighted the nation’s capabilities and opportunities, stating, “We, in Jordan, are witnessing remarkable growth in this field, and start-ups and digital applications have become an integral part of the national economy’s fabric. This transformation reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital infrastructure and develop policies to support technological innovation.”

Khawaldeh underlined Jordan’s proactive role in digital transformation, noting the country’s investments in strong digital infrastructure and support for technology entrepreneurs through business incubators and accelerators.