Blockchain among technologies to be prioritized by Saudi Arabia's IT decision-makers in 2022 - Technology

Blockchain is among the six emerging technologies prioritized by IT decision-makers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 2022 and beyond, according to a recent study.

Impact of Covid-19

Saudi Arabian government IT decision-makers have named blockchain as one of the six technologies they want to prioritize in 2022 and beyond, a survey has found. Additionally, the study found that an overwhelming majority of decision-makers agreed that Covid-19 has accelerated Saudi Arabia's digital transformation.

According to a Datatechvibe report citing the latest Yougov survey, artificial intelligence and machine learning are the technologies that 77% of respondents want to prioritize. About 65% of respondents said they will prioritize the Internet of Things (IoT), while 51% said they will focus on cloud technology.

Predictive analytics (38%), robotic process automation (36%) and blockchain (35%) round out the list of six technologies that IT leaders plan to prioritize starting this year.

Regarding the three priority areas that will be on the agenda of Saudi government organizations, the report said that 67% of respondents cited human capital management, while 61% cited corporate resource planning. About 56% said core solutions, while 41% said customer experience and predictive analytics are a priority.

Diversified entrepreneurship in emerging sectors

Meanwhile, Ahmed Al-Faifi, whose company conducted the survey, said in his interpretation of the study's results:

“The Kingdom’s National Strategy for Data and AI is already showing a domino effect, with 77 percent of government IT decision-makers prioritizing artificial intelligence and machine learning for the next year to optimize operations, talent development and citizen experience.”

Al-Faifi, senior vice president of global technology company SAP, added that as Saudi Arabia gradually emerges from the pandemic, Saudi Arabia will continue to play its role as a "platform for diversified entrepreneurship in emerging sectors."

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Terence Zimwara

Terence Zimwara is an award-winning journalist, author and writer from Zimbabwe. He has written extensively about the economic struggles of some African countries, as well as how digital currencies can provide an escape route for Africans.

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