Tech Hub Collaboration
Making a Plan
Within the past few decades, the tech industry has become a competitive landscape. It is clear that no country is willing to stay behind in becoming a major player in producing the most advanced technology. With the development of AI, the competition has gotten stronger. Even one of the worlds largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia, is in the works of establishing a “world-class tech hub” by initiating a collaborative project known as the “Project Transcendence”.
Collaboration
According to an article published by CIO (Chief Information Officer), a magazine that reports on technology and IT. Reported on the announcement Saudi Arabia made of their “initiative aimed at establishing itself as a major player in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and advanced technology”.The program, which is being called the “Project Transcendence” is part of the countries 2030 vision of constructing advanced data centers, empowering startups, and expanding AI capabilities to fuel national and international progress.
To make the project come to life, The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is anticipated to enter into a $5-$10 billion partnership with Alphabet Inc. Google’s parent company, to initiate the project.
An important part of the collaboration is being able to develop an Arabic-language AI model, focused on a substantial gap in AI accessibility for the region, as well as other localized AI applications specialized in meeting the needs of Saudi Arabia. By developing advanced Arabic- language models, the country seeks to replicate the success of English-language chatbots like ChatGPT.
Expanding Opportunities
Furthermore, to realize “Project Transcendence”, Saudi Arabia will concentrate on workforce training, promoting AI literacy, and supportive regulations to attract top talent, and establish “supportive regulatory frameworks to attract and retain highly skilled talent”.