Digital technologies are playing an increasingly major role in enabling the Vision Realization Programs (VRPs) that are helping to make Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 a reality. From national-level data management platforms to human capital development portals, digital transformation is continuously disrupting industries across the Kingdom’s public and private sectors. ICT decision makers are developing and implementing strategies to deploy emerging technologies not only to align themselves with national digital transformation plans but also to address key business challenges.

As digital transformation is now firmly weighing in on the executive-level agenda across industries and sectors, new trends and business practices have arisen. In response to this, global ICT research and advisory firm International Data Corporation (IDC) has published an in-depth analysis of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey. The report, titled ‘Realizing Saudi Arabia’s Digital Aspirations: The Journey of Transformation’,explores the following areas:

• The state of digital transformation across industries considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of digital transformation maturity among Saudi Arabia’s CIOs.
• The key enablers driving the adoption of emerging technologies and accelerating digital transformation efforts across the Kingdom.
• The role of regulators and policy makers in realizing the national digitization mandate.
• The digital transformation of key industries and economic sectors and how technology is driving the digital future of Saudi Arabia.
• The implementation of global digital transformation best practices across industries and sectors.

An increased focus on digital transformation is vital for improving industrial activity, attracting investment, and diversifying the economy. This 2021 edition of IDC’s annual executive report covers the evolving nature of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia against the backdrop of an intensified focus from the Saudi government on driving the national digital agenda as earmarked by the landmark Vision 2030.

“The Saudi government has been steadily increasing its focus on digital transformation over the last few years, which positions the Kingdom well for post-pandemic new normal,” says Hamza Naqshbandi, IDC’s associate vice president for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. “The focus on digital transformation is expected to intensify as the Kingdom accelerates its drive to attract new domestic and international investors, bridge the digital divide, and further enhance citizen experience and trust while meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving economy, balancing costs, driving innovation, and optimizing efficiency.”

Sourav Bhanja, IDC’s senior consulting director for the Middle East and Africa, says, “Saudi Arabia is on the cusp of a national-level digital revolution that is being facilitated by a purpose-driven government digital transformation agenda. The government’s long-term infrastructure investments, coupled with progressive digital regulations along with initiatives and enablement for skills building, funding, and capability development, are expected to provide the right levers to propel the Kingdom to become a leading ICT nation within the next decade.”

To download ‘Realizing Saudi Arabia’s Digital Aspirations: The Journey of Transformation’, please visit www.idcksareport.com. The report was sponsored by 2P, Cisco, CCC by STC, Microsoft, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, ITB, Red Hat, and Service Now.