The Jordan Science and Technology Initiative (JSTI)

Jordan is well positioned to become a catalyst for economic development in the Middle East and North Africa region and to serve as a gateway that will foster a collaborative business environment between the U.S. and emerging Middle Eastern high technology markets. With this potential in mind, a broad coalition of American and Jordanian public and private stakeholders conceived of a joint public and private initiative to accelerate the development of Jordan’s knowledge economy and establish a high tech center for both domestic and regional wealth creation: the Jordan Science and Technology Initiative (JSTI).

In 2006, IC² Institute of The University of Texas at Austin conducted a feasibility study and developed a business plan for JSTI that will be presented for public funding and private investment. A number of interrelated JSTI programs are anticipated, including the following:

• Commercialization of Jordanian science and technology.

• Incubation of Jordanian high-tech companies.

• Transfer and development of U.S technologies for the Middle East market with sponsorship by global investors.

• Acceleration of Jordanian and adaptation of U.S. high tech ventures for the Jordanian market and its trading partners throughout the Middle East.

• Establishment of a platform for foreign direct investment, with management of risk.

• Establishment of sustaining mechanisms for JSTI entrepreneurs such as mentor networks, global knowledge networks, angel and venture capital networks and multinational companies and organizations that are stakeholders in Jordan’s success.

• Entrepreneurial and business education programs.

• Influencing Jordanian technology policy in partnership with affiliate organizations and programs involving critical competitive issues.

Based on this initial phase of work, IC² Institute plans to partner with regional stakeholders and other interested parties and donor organizations to help implement significant and sustainable programs in Jordan. This project represents a public and private partnership that will strengthen Jordan’s competitiveness in the global technology markets and serve as a catalyst for real business growth and prosperity.