The Middle Eastern country of Jordan has demonstrated its interest in advancing technologies, such as 3D printing, during a talk at the World Economic Forum (WEF).
His Majesty King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan were in attendance at the forum as it took place this week. On The Middle East and Africa the WEF highlighted the country’s support of entrepreneurship, and encouraged the youth of Jordan to engage with new technologies in order to transform the economy.
Innovative Jordan
At the World Economic Forum, Jordan was the subject of a dedicated talk on innovation and entrepreneurship. This discussion showcased the country’s creativity including a video highlighting areas the country is advancing technology. Such areas included renewable energy, applications for drones, scientific research, 3D printing and programming.
The WEF also showcased entrepreneurship by featuring 100 Arab startups as part of the “Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution” initiative. Of the 100 startups, 21 of them were from Jordan.
Jordanian 3D printing software company Mixed Dimensions was in attendance as CEO Muhannad Taslaq spoke about the abilities of Jordanians to compete on an international stage. Mixed Dimensions offers 3D printing cloud software MakePrintable, operating from a San Francisco HQ and 50 engineers in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Taslaq was one of several speakers participating in the onstage discussion at WEF and explained how he and his company are looking to bring business back to the Middle East.
FAB LAB visit
Prior to the World Economic Forum discussion, Queen Rania saw firsthand the level of innovation and creativity occurring in the country by visiting a Fab Lab. At Fab Lab Irbid, Queen Rania was given a tour of the accessible manufacturing facilities by the EU Ambassador Andrea Fontana and lab director Loay Malahmeh.
As part of the Shamal Smart project, the facility has been supported by EU funding. Named after the northwesterly wind blowing across the Persian Gulf, this project aims to promote manufacturing and service industries, growing employment in the areas of Irbid and Mafraq.
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Featured image shows King Abdullah and Queen Rania amongst other leaders at the World Economic Forum. Photo via Royal Court.
