Innovation, Entrepreneurs Vital For Regional Economic Growth
The Middle East and North Africa have abundant economic potential that can be harnessed through the power of the private sector.
![ARAB-BUSINESS/SPRING Young entrepreneurs work on their laptops at the Amman-based Oasis 500, a seed investment firm which finances start-up firms in the region's information technology sector, November 2, 2011. Across the Middle East and North Africa, the Arab Spring uprisings have hurt many businessmen. Economies have slowed sharply as political uncertainty deters investment, new governments focus on trying to restore social stability instead of reforming economic policy, and labour unrest disrupts production and drives up cos](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2013/09/Start%20ups.jpg/Start%20ups.jpg?h=2d235432&itok=UYqBvKOW)
Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential keys to growth. Beyond the "why" there is the "how," and the many ways available to create a buoyant economy by promoting the private sector. There is already a great deal being done, but not nearly enough.
We can view growth, competition and job creation as part of an interconnected series, at the center of which is innovation.