"In many countries worldwide, the economy is experiencing rapid developments in a shift from production-based economy to information and knowledge based economy. In the Arab region, the ICT sector has grown rapidly over the past few years. e-services improved, and the use of this technology increased in economic and social sectors. The remarkable prosperity of the sector was accompanied by an overall economic growth in Arab countries at a better pace than previous years. However a crucial question remains: is development in the ICT sector services and economic growth sufficient in order for the Arab world to play an eminent economic role at the global level, avert the risk of crises, and make use of the ongoing unprecedented economic transformations with the rise of economically emerging countries? This study attempts to answer the question through exploring the different factors contributing to the development of the ICT sector and enhancing the role of this sector in the knowledge-based growth in the ESCWA region. The study includes a comparative analysis of the current situation of the ICT sector in the region, through the presentation of adopted national strategies in this regard. It also includes a presentation and analysis of the survey conducted by ESCWA with different stakeholders in the private sector. In conclusion, the study provides suggestions for steps and measures aimed at strengthening the role of the sector in facing the challenges of knowledge economy, based on the main pillars supporting the shift towards knowledge economy." -- ESCWA website.

72 p. : charts, graphs, tables

Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-72).