Khaberni - The CEO of the Information Technology and Communications Companies Association "Intaj", Nidal Al-Baytar, confirmed that digital transformation and entrepreneurship today form a fundamental pillar for innovation in Jordan, amid a wave of technological development ranging from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, passing through data technology and cloud computing.
This was stated during Al-Baytar's participation as a keynote speaker at the Masterminds Event, held during the Global Entrepreneurship Week, in partnership with the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship and Osama Al-Mashini Theatre / Ministry of Culture, where he presented a lecture titled: "Entrepreneurship in the Age of Digital Transformation: From Local Idea to Global Impact", before a number of entrepreneurs, professionals, and university students from the age group of 18–35 years.
He said that the world is experiencing a huge surge in adopting digital transformation, with global reports indicating that spending on this transformation will reach about 4 trillion dollars by 2027, with the sector recording an annual growth estimated at 16%, and 74% of institutions consider digital transformation today a top strategic priority.
He added that 90% of companies worldwide are currently working on projects for digital transformation in industries such as manufacturing, health, education, transportation, agriculture, government sectors, and others.
He explained that the success of digital transformation depends on six core capabilities, the most prominent of which are: clarity of strategy, focus on commercial value, organizational readiness, investment in digital skills, enhancing a culture of change, and complete integration between technology, processes, and people.
He emphasized that no institution will achieve true transformation unless it invests in its human resources and builds their digital capabilities.
Speaking about Jordan, he explained that 46% of the youth in Jordan are from the age group qualified to engage in the digital economy, which represents a huge opportunity if it is managed and invested properly.
Al-Baytar discussed the reality of entrepreneurship, pointing out that the path is not easy as some might think, as CB Insights studies show that 90% of startups fail, and that 70% of them do not survive the first two years of their life, while only 50% survive for five years, and only 25% succeed in continuing for more than 15 years.
He noted that the main reasons for failure include: running out of funding by 40%, product-market misalignment by 35% including launching products prematurely, fierce competition, in addition to unclear or unscalable business models.
He confirmed that entrepreneurship is not just enthusiasm or a beautiful dream, but requires deep research, market study, precise knowledge of the target audience, and high flexibility in adaptation.
He said: "No idea can transform into a successful project unless it is based on a real need in the market, and is built on well-studied business foundations, supported by a team capable of enduring."
Al-Baytar affirmed the commitment of the "Intaj" association to support entrepreneurs through mentoring and empowerment programs, opening markets, and connecting startups with investors, stressing that Jordan possesses the human and knowledge potentials that qualify it to be a regional center for technological innovation.
