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Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Driving Growth within the Saudi Arabian Economy and Markets Omer Saleem, CEO of PROVEN highlights key developments that are helping to nurture entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia's burgeoning startup space
today's quick Published in The Saudi Gazette on 13 - 03 - 2023

changing and globally interconnected economy, innovation and entrepreneurship have emerged as key forces for growth and advancement. Innovation and entrepreneurship are vital drivers for pushing forward the boundaries of existing business models and practices. The importance of providing an atmosphere which nurtures new businesses and technology is a critical element for growth of any economic system. It is no different in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where there is a growing understanding of the crucial part these factors play in promoting competitiveness and economic growth.
The significance of this development in Saudi Arabia is highlighted by recent figures. The country garnered $1.4 billion in venture capital investment in 2022, up 20% from the previous year, according to a recent report from the Ministry of Investment. The nation's growing startup ecosystem has sparked this growth, with more than 1,500 new firms being registered in 2022 alone. The Kingdom had the Middle East and North Africa's fastest growth in venture capital funding, according to the "2022 Saudi Arabia Venture Capital Report." According to the research released by the venture data platform MAGNiTT and sponsored by the Saudi Venture Capital, the Kingdom kept its ranking as the second-most financed market in MENA in 2022, accounting for 31% of the total capital deployed in the area, up from 21% in 2021.
The Saudi Arabian government has taken action to foster an environment that is favorable of innovation and entrepreneurship because it recognizes their significance. With an emphasis on building a more diverse and sustainable economy, the Vision 2030 project, which was introduced in 2016, has made innovation and entrepreneurship fundamental cornerstones of the nation's development plan. The Kingdom has established a number of programs and initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Some examples are listed below:
1. Misk Innovation Program: A platform to support young entrepreneurs and innovation in the Kingdom.
2. Qiddiya Investment Company: A company focused on developing a new entertainment and leisure destination.
3. The Misk Foundation: An organization that aims to empower young people in the Kingdom to become leaders in their fields.
4. The King Salman Youth Center: A center aimed at providing young people with access to new technologies, skills training and education.
5. Dhahran Techno Valley: A technology park that provides a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.
6. NEOM: A city being built from scratch in the northwest of the Kingdom, with the aim of becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
7. Al-Faris: A platform to support startups in the Kingdom with funding, mentorship, and training.
The formation of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), which offers support and incentives to entrepreneurs and innovative enterprises, is one of the important projects that has been implemented as part of the Vision 2030 plan. This offers financial support, mentoring, and access to a network of investors and business experts to businesses establishing operations in the Kingdom. The cross pollination of technology and ideas will help to expand knowledge transfer and broaden the overall ecosystem. The creation of technology hubs and innovation centers is a significant development in Saudi Arabia's innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. These facilities offer resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities to startups, assisting them in expanding and scaling their companies. They plat a key role in allowing burgeoning companies to accelerate growth and reduce friction from non-core activities.
The private sector has also played a significant role in innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. Major institutions and investment businesses have established venture capital funds and accelerators to provide entrepreneurs with the financial and operational support they need to grow. The private sector is gaining more and more attention. It significantly contributes to the expansion of non-oil sectors including technology, travel, and healthcare. Additionally, the government has made it simpler for firms to get financing, acquire licenses, and obtain permits by introducing tax incentives for them. International companies can now establish up and operate operations in the nation more easily thanks to the passage of the Companies Law and lowered restrictions on foreign investment.
Another initiative that aids in fostering and supporting SME sector growth is Monshaat Authority. Through a variety of funding programs, including grants, loans, and investment opportunities, the Authority offers financial assistance to SMEs. Additionally, they offer business growth services like training, mentoring programs, and access to market data and analysis. Monshaat collaborates with businesses including accelerators, incubators, and co-working spaces to support and resource entrepreneurs and companies as part of its effort to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. By assisting in international trade and facilitating access to other markets, they also aid in expansion. They collaborate with government organizations to streamline administrative procedures and lessen operational turbulence. These are all important components that help to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship.
The e-commerce platform Noon.com is an illustration of a successful Saudi Arabian company that has gotten backing from both the public and private sectors. Noon.com has raised over $1 billion in capital from investors, including Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.
As a result of collaboration between the public and private sectors to foster these industries, innovation and entrepreneurship have emerged as key drivers of growth and competitiveness in Saudi Arabia. In the upcoming years, Saudi Arabia will continue to be at the forefront of innovation and advancement thanks to the sustained investment in and support of these efforts.

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