Digital Society and Innovation

Saudi Arabia is undergoing an extraordinary digital transformation aligned with Vision 2030, aimed at creating a thriving, innovative digital society. This transformation is reshaping the Kingdom's social, economic, and governmental landscapes, revolutionizing how knowledge is shared, how people interact, and how services are delivered. Through the adoption of emerging technologies, Saudi Arabia is fostering a digitally engaged society that is more transparent, inclusive, and innovative.

The transformation is driven by strategic initiatives accelerating technology adoption, empowering government entities, and ensuring robust coordination across various sectors. Key governmental bodies such as the Digital Government Authority (DGA) and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) are pivotal in guiding this transformation. Their efforts have led to groundbreaking advancements, such as developing state-of-the-art data centers, establishing forward-thinking digital policies, and innovative programs designed to enhance society's digital literacy and capabilities.

By embracing cutting-edge technologies and promoting open data policies, Saudi Arabia is enhancing the quality of life for its citizens and positioning itself as a global leader in the digital economy.

The DGA and SDAIA are leading the country's digital transformation efforts. In just a few years, Saudi Arabia has introduced over 30 cloud services, established 169 data centers, and successfully implemented eight digital policies. Over 600,000 businesses are registered on the platform, and more than 510 million transactions have been processed, benefiting over 22 million users.

The DGA serves as a national digital knowledge repository, offering resources and guidelines for digital transformation. A prime example is the "Definitions Guide of Digital Platforms, Products, and Services," which standardizes terminology and helps ensure clarity across digital government initiatives.

Transforming Society and Enhancing Quality of Life

As digital transformation continues, it is not just changing the economy but also improving Saudi citizens' lives. Through advanced digital services, Saudi Arabia is enhancing quality of life, raising awareness of available services, and empowering citizens to transition from digital consumers to producers.

This transformation contributes to creating a "digital nation" that excels in delivering government services, accelerating national projects, and implementing digital policies and regulations. Knowledge, in the form of open and big data, is becoming a key resource, driving the growth of a knowledge society.

Open Data and Transparency

SDAIA has developed the National Data Bank (NDB), a key platform that hosts interconnected national data systems. This platform promotes data literacy and supports the digital economy by facilitating access to valuable data. Saudi Arabia has implemented an Open Data Policy that enhances transparency, accountability, and public evaluation of government transactions, making information more accessible to citizens and bridging the gap between the government and individuals.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 lays out a comprehensive roadmap for the future, focusing on creating a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. As part of this vision, the Kingdom has adopted several national strategies and programs to foster the growth of innovative and disruptive technologies. These strategies, developed by key government bodies, focus on areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Blockchain, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive national transformation and global competitiveness. The ICT Sector Strategy 2023 and the Digital Government Strategy 2023-2030 are pivotal in this effort, outlining clear objectives to harness the potential of these technologies to enhance government services, boost economic growth, and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in digital innovation.

These initiatives are supported by specific programs targeting the development, regulation, and integration of emerging technologies across various sectors, ensuring that Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to leverage the disruptive power of these technologies in line with its long-term economic and societal goals. Through strategic partnerships, investments, and regulatory frameworks, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a digital future that fosters innovation and enhances the quality of life.

To support the development of digital skills within the public sector, several key government authorities have launched initiatives designed to enhance digital capabilities and foster talent for the Kingdom's ongoing digital transformation.

QTech Digital Skills Program

Launched by the Digital Government Authority (DGA), the QTech Digital Skills Program aims to elevate government employees' digital capabilities and foster a culture of innovation within the public sector. The program offers a range of developmental and cognitive training programs focused on digital government transformation, emerging technologies, data, and innovation. It empowers training agencies to refine digital skills and develop talent essential for building a future-ready digital government.

The program has already benefited over 2,300 government employees from over 200 entities. Through over 120 courses and 15 workshops, participants have gained critical digital skills, enabling them to contribute to sustainable development and improved public services.

Future Skills Program

Launched by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Future Skills Program is designed to provide intensive training in key digital areas, including project management in communications and technology, information security, data science, web development, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and IT engineering. The program aims to qualify national talent to drive the Kingdom's digital transformation and create employment opportunities across various sectors. It focuses on preparing individuals for modern, traditional, and emerging technologies, ensuring equal participation from women and other vulnerable groups, and enhancing the workforce's capabilities for future digital jobs.

SDAIA Academy

The SDAIA Academy plays a key role in developing national data science and AI competencies. In collaboration with local, regional, and global institutions, the academy leads several capacity-building programs, such as the National Capacity Building Program for Data Science Specialists and the Data and AI Awareness Program. These programs aim to equip individuals with the skills needed to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving field of AI and data.

Digital Regulatory Academy (DRA)

The Digital Regulatory Academy (DRA), founded by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST), focuses on developing expertise in digital regulations. DRA provides specialized training to support the Kingdom's digital transformation in partnership with leading international institutions. The academy plays a crucial role in enhancing regulatory frameworks and improving the quality of services provided to citizens, ensuring that Saudi Arabia's digital landscape evolves in line with global best practices.

These initiatives are helping build a skilled workforce within the public sector, empowering employees with the knowledge and tools needed to drive Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and innovation. Through these programs, the Kingdom is laying the foundation for a digitally capable public sector aligned with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.

The Innovation and Emerging Technologies Center serves as the catalyst for driving innovation and emerging technologies within the Saudi government. Its mission is to empower government entities to deliver innovative solutions by accelerating the adoption of new technologies, fostering a forward-thinking mindset, and building the digital capabilities necessary for the future of digital government. Through its various initiatives, the Center is positioning itself as the national hub for innovation, shaping the future of government services and solutions. Several key programs have been launched to support this vision.

GovTech Program

The GovTech Program, launched by the Digital Government Authority (DGA), is designed to drive the adoption of emerging technologies across all government agencies. The program's goals are to:

• Accelerate Adoption: Facilitate the widespread adoption of emerging technologies across government sectors and activate a thriving technology ecosystem.
• Empower People: Build a skilled digital workforce across government entities and nurture a culture of innovation.
• Shape the Future: Enable the co-creation of solutions and experimentation with new technologies, influencing future policies and regulations.

Key Outcomes:

• A highly skilled public sector workforce equipped with knowledge of emerging technologies.
• Increased maturity in public sector organizations regarding the use of innovative solutions.
• Real-life challenges addressed with cutting-edge technology.
• A strong, innovation-driven culture within government entities.
• Enhanced operational excellence and improved beneficiary satisfaction.
• Established GovTech market and technology ecosystem.
• Elevated global reputation for Saudi Arabia and the DGA.

Technologies supported by this program include Robotics, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Q-Tech Professionals Program

The Q-Tech Professionals Program aims to develop digital transformation skills in government employees. Through a combination of local and international training, the program provides courses in key technology trends from top universities worldwide. The program offers three specialized tracks:

• Government Product Course: Focuses on learning advanced technologies for integrating and developing competitive government products.
• Data Course: Provides training in data analytics tools and technologies, enabling employees to solve complex analytical problems.
• Innovation Course: Encourages the development of innovative solutions to address challenges and enhance the user experience of digital government services.

These courses help foster a skilled workforce capable of driving Saudi Arabia's digital transformation.

Digital Advisory and Studies Program

This program provides advisory services to government entities, helping them accelerate digital transformation and adopt innovative solutions. With over 520 advisory services and six in-depth studies, the program supports designing and implementing efficient, effective digital strategies for public sector entities.

Digital Inclusivity Program

The Digital Inclusivity Program empowers government entities to design digital products that cater to people with disabilities and the elderly. It promotes inclusive innovation and ensures that all citizens benefit from digital services. Over 48 beneficiaries have been impacted by this initiative, which includes over three accessibility tools and technologies.

Awards and Digital Competitiveness Program

This program encourages government entities to embrace innovative solutions and enhances digital competitiveness both nationally and globally. Through the Digital Government Awards, government entities are recognized for their best digital initiatives. The program has seen participation from over 200 entities and 500+ applicants, driving the adoption of groundbreaking digital government services. 

The Innovation and Emerging Technologies Center also provides a dedicated space designed to foster collaboration and innovation, serving as a tech-supported environment where government entities can explore and implement new digital solutions.

The government has implemented Regulations to foster and support local GovTech startups. The goal is to boost local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and companies in their GovTech initiatives and innovation efforts.

The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) was established as part of these efforts. This national program strengthens the technology ecosystem by promoting sustainable development and collaborating with stakeholders. The NTDP aims to:

• Support national companies in the IT and emerging technologies sectors, both locally and globally, to increase their market share and global exports.
• Encourage the local private sector to adopt IT solutions and emerging technologies, fostering sector growth.
• Attract global and local companies that support innovation and research relevant to the IT sector.
• Contribute to the localization of IT, including emerging technologies, and increase the local content within the sector.

The NTDP has launched several initiatives to support GovTech startups in Saudi Arabia. These programs include:

• Grow Your Tech Business: Provides financing guarantees of up to SR 15 million to support the growth of tech startups and SMEs in collaboration with banks and financing entities.
• LendTech: Enables tech companies that are typically ineligible for financing to access concessional funding. With a capital of SR 360 million, this program supports tech companies in securing necessary capital.
• MVPLAB: Supports tech entrepreneurs by helping them develop and scale innovative projects. The goal is to create 1,000 emerging technology companies in partnership with entrepreneurs and innovation hubs.
• NextEra: Offers financial incentives to individuals and tech companies to accelerate innovation in deep and emerging technologies.
• Boost: Provides incubation and support for tech entrepreneurs, helping them launch companies and mitigate financial risks associated with new ventures.
• RELOCATE: Attracts global tech startups and multinational companies to Saudi Arabia by offering a range of incentives that facilitate their entry and successful scaling within the Saudi and regional markets.
• Tech_Crew: Supports tech SMEs by providing financial incentives and salary subsidies to attract and retain top Saudi tech talent.
• VentureDebt: A flexible debt structure designed to help tech startups expand and meet growth requirements.
• Bridge: Provides financial support to high-growth startups, helping them expand globally and access new markets.
• Connect: Aims to qualify local tech SMEs for participation in large tech projects, supporting collaboration with larger tech companies.
• Accelerators Enablement Initiative: Helps local and global accelerators adopt international best practices and provides financial support to help entrepreneurs develop unique business models.
• Lead IT: Prepares employees for leadership roles in small and medium-sized tech companies through specialized training programs.
• Technology Champions: Supports the growth of medium to large tech companies to become regional leaders in their fields, offering a comprehensive set of services and enablers.
• AI.M: A national initiative to stimulate innovation in artificial intelligence, strengthening the Kingdom's regional and global leadership in AI over the next five years.
• Fund Swift: Provides bridge financing for startups that have closed early-stage investments, with repayment upon VC capital deployment.
• Source Tech: Supports outsourcing services in the IT sector by developing technical competencies to provide competitive outsourcing services locally and regionally.
• Transform+: Supports tech companies in adopting modern cloud computing technologies by offering financial support of up to SR 1 million.
• Fuel: Designed to support VC funds investing in deep and emerging tech startups from pre-seed to pre-IPO stages.

These initiatives are designed to support the growth and sustainability of Saudi Arabia's GovTech sector, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in technology and innovation.