There is no doubt that the government’s announcement of a package of industrial opportunities constitutes an important step that deserves serious consideration, especially in light of the accumulated economic challenges facing Jordan. The national economy needs qualitative initiatives that open new horizons for growth and move us from managing crises to creating opportunities. However, this announcement, despite its importance, raises a number of legitimate questions about the reasons for choosing these opportunities in particular, and about the actual ability to implement them and ensure their sustainability.

Upon initial reading of the fields presented, it becomes clear that their selection was not random, but rather was based on clear specifications. The first of these determinants is the equation of supply and demand at the global level. The competition that has been raging for years over semiconductors and the drone industry is still on the rise, and the world needs to double the volume of production to meet the growing demand. Hence, it seems that the bet on these industries is based on a real need in global markets, and not just keeping up with passing trends.

Another determinant is related to the exploitation of natural resources, especially natural gas, with the necessary equipment to extract it approaching completion. It appears that the government’s approach seeks to maximize added value through expansion of manufacturing industries, such as ammonia and methane gas, instead of being satisfied with a traditional role based on exporting raw materials or using them on a limited basis.

There is also a clear relationship between the investment opportunities offered and the experience and competitiveness Jordan has accumulated in the renewable energy sector. This sector has witnessed remarkable development over the past two decades, and has become dependent on advanced and effective technology, which gives Jordan a comparative advantage on which it can build. This reality opens the way for qualitative investments, such as the establishment of global data centers that rely on renewable energy for their sustainability, and at the same time justifies the trend towards investment in the battery industry and its development.

In this context, it may be useful to consider the experiences of countries that have succeeded in bringing about profound economic transformations despite their limited resources. Both Ireland and Malaysia were able, within a few decades, to move from two economies suffering from unemployment and brain drain to two more dynamic and diversified economies, through a clear strategic choice based on technical transformation and investment in people. In the Irish case, technical education and partnerships with international technology companies constituted an essential lever for integrating the local economy into high-tech global value chains, which was directly reflected in reducing unemployment rates. As for Malaysia, it has adopted a long-term, systematic approach in building infrastructure and specialized industrial zones, attracting electronic industries and advanced technologies, with an active role for the state in planning and direction. Both experiences confirm that success was not dependent on size or wealth, but rather was the result of clarity of vision and focus on specialized industries with high added value.

However, we cannot ignore the fact that Jordan is not alone in this race; These sectors represent the target of major countries and huge economies that have enormous financial and infrastructure capabilities. Part of the skepticism about the government’s ability to implement these projects is due to comparing the size of the Jordanian economy to the economies of major industrialized countries, whether in terms of the ability to spend on the necessary infrastructure, or to direct capital and investment funds towards these projects.

However, a careful reading between the lines of the advertisement indicates that the bet is not based on competing with the big ones in size, but rather on excellence in specialization. Instead of entering into broad and expensive industries, Jordan can focus on specific and precise parts of the value chains, and on agile and specialized industries, such as communications antenna technologies, radio frequency cables, and other areas in which the number of competitors can be reduced or even become regionally unique.

The decisive element in the success of this vision remains the human element. The changes taking place in Western societies have made them less attractive to young entrepreneurs compared to the past, while Jordan has an important reserve of competencies and experiences spread abroad, many of which show a real willingness to return when the appropriate environment and serious opportunities are available.

Finally, it is not possible to talk about an advanced industry without stopping at the role of universities. What is required is not only to graduate cadres capable of operating these industries, but also to contribute to their development and innovation, through a true partnership with the industrial sector in research and development, within a clear institutional framework led by the government.

These industrial opportunities may be the appropriate moment to move from the stage of slogans to the stage of serious work based on planning, specialization and investment in people. Should we make the best use of this moment?

*A. D. Ashraf Eid Abu Karaki
Vice President of the University of Jordan for Scientific Colleges Affairs