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Abou El-Enein Calls for Arab Technological Ownership


Mon 03 Feb 2025 | 08:31 PM
By Ahmad El-Assasy

Mohamed Abou El-Enein, Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament, emphasized the urgent need for Arab nations to take ownership of technological advancements rather than merely importing technology from other countries. 

Speaking at a distinguished conference hosted by the Arab League, Abou El-Enein highlighted the importance of learning from past industrial revolutions and positioning the Arab world as a leader in technological innovation.

“The algorithmic game is in the hands of others, and we must learn from past revolutions,” Abou El-Enein stated. He pointed out that the Arab world had missed opportunities during the first, second, third, and fourth industrial revolutions and called for an end to this trend. “We do not own the keys to these technological wealths; instead, we have only imported machinery, equipment, technology, and know-how. However, the time has come for us to become owners of new technologies.”

He urged Arab nations to harness their intellectual, technological, and scientific strengths, particularly within universities, to drive innovation and secure a competitive edge in the global technological race.

Highlighting Egypt’s progress in higher education and research, Abou El-Enein noted that the country now boasts 120 universities, including 60 technological institutions. Over the past four years, Egypt has conducted approximately 8,220 research studies, demonstrating a growing commitment to academic excellence. However, he stressed the need for greater engagement from young graduates, emphasizing that many pursue higher-paying opportunities instead of academic careers.

“We must carefully study where to build the future of this industry, these sciences, and this technology in our countries,” he remarked. To achieve this, he called for strong political support and a balanced collaboration between business leaders, governments, and legislative bodies.

Recognizing the immense talent within the Arab world, Abou El-Enein expressed confidence in its ability to compete with global technological leaders. “If you look at those driving technological advancements in the West, you will find that many of them originate from our Arab countries,” he asserted.

He commended the Arab Academy for Science and Technology for its vital role in fostering scientific progress and innovation. Expressing gratitude to the conference organizers, he lauded the institution’s president for showcasing the academy’s remarkable capabilities and inviting specialists to collaborate in advancing regional technological expertise.

Looking ahead, Abou El-Enein called for the development of a unified roadmap to guide technological advancement in the region. This strategy, he explained, should be backed by political and parliamentary support, reinforced by bilateral and collective agreements, and supported by expertise from within and beyond the Arab world.

He drew parallels with China’s technological rise, emphasizing that Arab nations could establish their own networks and programs that rival global technologies. “We, too, can ensure that the name behind these technologies is not a Chinese name but an Arab name—a name representing our own engineers and innovators.”

Abou El-Enein also addressed the potential risks associated with technological advancements, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity and digital warfare. “We are facing significant risks, especially with nuclear weapons, where the principle is 'weapon against weapon.' However, the real danger today lies in technological weapons, where paradoxes abound. This is the true threat.” He urged the Arab world to prepare for these challenges with determination and strategic foresight.

Concluding his speech, Abou El-Enein reaffirmed his belief in the region’s potential to overcome obstacles and achieve technological sovereignty. “I am confident, God willing, that even the existing problems can be solved. With persistence and determination, we can build and own this technology in the future. We must work together in a 'win-win' manner, rather than merely being technology importers or users. We must become the rightful owners of these technologies.”

With a message of optimism and resilience, he thanked the audience for their attention, closing with a call for collective action to secure the Arab world’s place at the forefront of global technological innovation.