1. Shawqi Al Dallal AHLIA UNIVERSITY
THE ROLE OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE IN BRIDGING THE DIGITAL GAP: A JOURNEY TO THE FUTURE
Shawqi Al Dallal
AHLIA UNIVERSITY

3. OUTLINE
Educational and cultural challenges facing developing countries in general and the Arab world in particular.
Emphasis will be on the role of educational and cultural issues in achieving the transformation to a Knowledge economy system.
Bridging the digital gap

4. Educational System and Knowledge Creation
Bridging the digital gap requires building the information and communication technologies (ICTs) infrastructure.
Knowledge is a public good and can be obtained through:
Trade, Collaboration, Technology Transfer, Educational System, Research.

8. Building Capacity for Knowledge Economy Comprises FOUR Important Elements

9. Challenges facing the Educational Systems in the Arab World
Higher education in the Arab world emerged at the beginning of the last century.
Universities in the Arab world are rendered to institutions that focusses on producing graduates with the aim of satisfying the job market rather than being armed with crucial skills and critical thinking.
The failure of the Educational System to adhere to disciplines such as:
Academic freedom
Research Organization
Structured Programs
Futuristic vision

10. Role of Language in Knowledge Creation
Knowledge creation  is about
continuous transfer, combination,
and conversion of the different
types of knowledge, as users
practice, interact, and learn.

11. Research Infrastructure in the Arab World
Research Centers: Basic Sciences Shift to diversified programes:
Agriculture, medical sciences, environment,…..
Functioning through Ministries, Universities, and other government establishments.
Egypt: 219 under the auspices of ministries.
214 at universities.
Tunisia: 33 research centers, comprising 139 laboratories, and
634 branch research units.

12. Challenges Facing the Arab World in the coming few Decades
Bridging the Digital Gap requires:
Establishment of a Sounding Educational System.
Development of advanced research structure.
Other Challenges include:
Energy Sources for the future
Water Management
Transportation System
Emerging Technologies shaping the future of the human race.

13. Energy Sources for the Future
Oil Renewable Energy, Nuclear Energy!!!

14. Futuristic Developed Countries Energy Systems

15. Alternative Energies

16. Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials

17. CONCLUSION
Educational system is a key factor in determining the future of developing countries.
Knowledge Creation can only be achieved through a thriving and resourceful educational systems.
Language plays a decisive role in knowledge creation.
Transfer of technology is an efficient road to reduce the digital gap.
Innovation and research are key factors in shaping our future and bridging the digital gap.