On the MENA Regional Incubators and Technology Parks

Countries in the MENA region established incubators and technology or science parks following the international trend and hoping to join the developed industrialized world in the knowledge production and knowledge based economy. After decades and much investment of resources, the catch up game seems more challenging today than ever before and the knowledge gap with developed economies is widening. The innovation related indexes have been describing ranking slippage of the Arab countries in the world ladder despite the growing interest and efforts in supporting local innovation. In this report, a mapping of available incubation and technology business parks in MENA countries is presented and innovation trends are analyzed for years 2011-2013. Recommendations are proposed to better harness return on investment to local community in this ecosystem and engage MNC and local industry in the MENA incubation system and technology parks through partnerships and business linkages.