Damascus has hosted the inaugural Entrepreneurial Organizations Forum, a strategic event aimed at developing a new national entrepreneurship strategy and fostering institutional partnerships to revitalize Syria’s innovation and startup landscape. The forum was held under the patronage of the Syrian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
A Strategic Push for a National Vision
The event brought together key stakeholders, including Syrian Communications Minister Abd al-Salam Haykal and representatives from over 30 local and international organizations involved in technology and entrepreneurship support. In his keynote address, Minister Haykal emphasized that the government has placed innovation at the forefront of its digital transformation plan, highlighting the forum as a pivotal step toward a new model where the entrepreneurial community is directly involved in shaping national policies for a knowledge-based economy.
Key Proposals for a Thriving Ecosystem
Participants outlined a forward-looking vision focused on creating a flexible national strategy supported by a clear and stimulating legislative framework. Key proposals put forth to catalyze the country’s innovation environment included:
- Investing in university graduation projects to transform them into viable startups.
- Modernizing laws and regulations to align with global technological shifts and funding opportunities.
- Instilling an entrepreneurial culture through digital learning programs in schools and universities.
- Establishing technology incubators and parks within universities to empower students.
- Building innovative financial partnerships to connect the local ecosystem with international counterparts.
Addressing Core Challenges Head-On
The forum also served as a platform to frankly address the significant obstacles facing the sector. Representatives from various organizations highlighted critical challenges such as a weak support environment, a severe lack of funding, and a shortage of mentorship programs. A consensus emerged on the urgent need to build new bridges of trust between the government and civil society to ensure a collaborative rebuilding process.
About The Entrepreneurial Organizations Forum
The forum is the culmination of recent efforts led by the Ministry of Communications to build a foundation for a new digital economy. It follows other national initiatives like the launch of the Syrian Investors Network and the Syrian Incubators and Accelerators Alliance. The event aims to create a sustained dialogue that will shape a comprehensive national entrepreneurship strategy, reflecting the realities and ambitions of Syrian founders.
Source: AIT News
