Introduction
Innovative development in a dynamic environment requires applying not only relevant resources to improve certain sectors but also appropriate promotion strategies. As an example of a country supporting the course towards digital transformation in various areas of life, the UAE can be noted. Large information flows, along with highly intelligent data processing algorithms, allow decision-makers to implement the government’s tasks of transitioning to the new modes of operation in certain areas, for instance, social security or healthcare. Therefore, in relation to the UAE, those activities that are aimed at digital transformation contribute to expanding opportunities in relation to the interaction of individual areas and allow creating relevant conditions for introducing essential and necessary innovations.
Relevance of Digital Transformation to the UAE
The transition to digital transformation and the course towards innovative development is the result of various reforms undertaken by the UAE government. According to Rahman et al., since 1971, authorities have sought to create “a culture of service improvement and efficient policy implementation through multiple tools” (2). The introduction of the e-government plan is one of the steps at the stage of significant transformations taking place in the state.
As a consequence of the global plan to change officials’ interaction with the population and improve the principles of communication in the main social spheres, the course on digitalization has become one of the most popular development strategies in the UAE. As a result, the changes taking place in various sectors correspond to the state plan for the reorganization of different sectors and the promotion of modern digital opportunities to improve life in the country.
Facts and Statistics
The initiatives proposed by the UAE government prove the interest of the authorities in digital transformation. For instance, one solution is to use artificial intelligence in various sectors, including the governing apparatus. Halaweh notes that in accordance with the plan, the introduction of this technology implies a 50% reduction in annual expenses, which is an extremely high indicator (“Artificial Intelligence Government” 270).
Those national policies that foster the implementation of modern technology are the evidence of a centralized course. Halaweh states that based on the plan approved by the government at the state level, 1% of the profit received by each of the ministries goes to the promotion of innovation (“Integrating Innovation” 1). This engagement of officials suggests that support for digital transformation is nationwide. Raising funds for technology development is one of the priority areas of activity. As Nuseir remarks, a 2017 Dubai report confirms “that the UAE is a preferred global investment destination” (9). Therefore, the course on digital transformation is officially approved at the highest level.
Implementation of Digital Transformation in the UAE
The introduction of innovations and the promotion of digital transformation in the UAE proceed rapidly, and the government support for this policy is an additional driver. For instance, according to Shamsi et al., the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Government Innovation promoted by the country’s Vice-President and the ruler o Dubai is a successful initiative to develop modern technologies aimed at simplifying citizens’ life (14).
Also, in accordance with the national program Vision 2021, transformational changes in the country are underway, and the intermediate goal is to create an appropriate innovation base by the 50th anniversary of the state (Abou Hana 416). The author notes that this plan addresses seven key areas – health, education, renewable energy, space, water, transportation, and technology (Abou Hana 416). Therefore, based on such an extended course, one can note that innovations in the UAE are implemented comprehensively.
Recommendation
Continuous investment in the field of innovative technologies and the government’s interest in promoting this area are successful practices that stimulate digital transformation in the UAE. However, in order to achieve sustainable changes, it is essential to pay attention to not only financial issues and productive communication but also to management approaches. For instance, updating the principles of personnel management, as well as engaging and retaining talented employees, could contribute to stable and productive work in different sectors where innovations are applied. Shamsi et al. argue that, according to the results of their study, job satisfaction and organizational commitment are the significant aspects of activities in the face of changes (15).
The experience of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), proves that the high qualification of employees is the value that not only determines the quality of work in many respects but also allows implementing complex projects that are impossible without hard and responsible work. Consequently, in order to enhance labor productivity, particular attention should be paid to HR practices and the principles of personnel policies maintained at enterprises and business companies.
Conclusion
Digital transformation as one of the priority areas of the UAE’s national policy makes it possible to introduce relevant innovations in various fields, thereby improving these sectors. The examples of various programs and projects prove that the government is interested in stimulating this industry, and the necessary investments come. As a recommendation, and emphasis on engaging and retaining talented employees can be encouraged to increase work efficiency.
Reflection
Studying at LSE is a practice that not only stimulates interest in assessing modern management approaches but also helps to understand the importance of continuous professional growth. The field of information technology and the digitalization trend create the conditions for the constant replenishment of personal skills through work with advanced developments. In modern management practice, it is crucial to focus not only on approaches to personnel control but also take into account existing political, economic, social, and other aspects.
For instance, LSE courses provide an opportunity to assess the principles and characteristics of the distribution of financial flows, study the factors affecting leadership, and obtain other valuable data. In today’s dynamic business environment, it is essential to integrate this information into a single stream. Therefore, LSE specialists have developed a valuable program aimed at both obtaining comprehensive knowledge and its subsequent application in the context of innovative development and adhering to a modern digital trend.
Studying at LSE helps course participants understand how important innovations are in the modern management field and what creative approaches to their development and implementation can be. Promoting advanced technologies in the business sphere creates incentives for productive competition, consumer interest, and the effective collaboration of stakeholders. As a result, an active environment is built, which positively affects the quality of work performed by both subordinates and managers.
Any transformations occurring in organizations under the influence of the digitalization trend allow extracting the maximum from available resources, thereby ensuring stable growth. Therefore, the program that LSE offers provides the opportunity to establish and introduce an individual development strategy in order to ensure sustainable profits and a course towards optimizing all business activities.
Works Cited
Abou Hana, Mona. “Innovation in the UAE: From First Foundations to ‘Beyond Oil’.” Global Policy, vol. 8, no. 3, 2017, pp. 414-417.
Halaweh, Mohanad. “Artificial Intelligence Government (Gov. 3.0): The UAE Leading Model.” Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, vol. 62, 2018, pp. 269-272.
—. “Integrating Innovation into the UAE Qualifications Framework (QFEmirates).” Industry and Higher Education, 2019, pp. 1-5.
Nuseir, Mohammed T. “Digital Media Impact on SMEs Performance in the UAE.” Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal, vol. 24, no. 2, 2018, pp. 1-13.
Rahman, Mohammad Habibur, et al. “From E-Governance to Smart Governance: Policy Lessons for the UAE.” Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance, 2016, pp. 1-13.
Shamsi, Rashed Shtait Hamad AL, et al. “The Impact of Innovation and Smart Government on Happiness: Proposing Conceptual Framework.” International Journal of Management and Human Science, vol. 2, no. 2, 2018, pp. 10-26.