Jordanian Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Implementation Plan (2023–2027)

November 2022

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Strategies and Action Plans

Author: Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship

The Jordanian Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Implementation Plan (2023–2027) is a comprehensive national framework aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate Jordan’s digital transformation, economic growth, and societal development. It builds on prior digital transformation strategies and aligns with the country’s broader economic modernisation goals.

The strategy outlines a five-year roadmap with 68 targeted projects aimed at enhancing Jordan’s AI capabilities across multiple sectors. Its overarching goal is to position Jordan as a regional leader in AI by fostering a robust legislative, technological, and entrepreneurial ecosystem that attracts investment and supports the national economy.

Vision and scope

The strategy seeks to position Jordan as a regional leader in AI by establishing a vibrant ecosystem that attracts investment, enhances public sector efficiency, and boosts AI-related research and entrepreneurship. It focuses on key societal sectors such as health, education, social protection, and employment.

Legal and policy foundations

The strategy is rooted in several legal instruments, including:

It also aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision 2022–2033, reflecting broader goals like becoming a hub for high-value industries and global tech services.

Strategic objectives

  1. Build AI skills and human capacity: Introduce AI in education, upskill fresh graduates and public servants, and raise awareness through community programs and curricula development.
  2. Promote AI research and development: Establish specialised R&D centres, databases of researchers, funding for AI studies, and recognition awards.
  3. Enhance AI investment and entrepreneurship: Create an innovation-friendly regulatory environment, offer tax and training incentives, support AI startups, and improve import/export policies for AI technologies.
  4. Ensure a sound legislative and ethical framework: Regularly update laws, implement the National AI Code of Ethics, and raise awareness of ethical AI use.
  5. Apply AI to public and strategic sectors: Deploy AI in healthcare, education, energy, smart cities, and more, with measurable outcomes aligned with national priorities.

Governance, monitoring, and evaluation

A robust governance model has been outlined:

  • Oversight by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship
  • Supervision by the National Council for Entrepreneurship
  • A Steering Committee comprising public, private, and academic stakeholders
  • Automated systems for monitoring project progress and generating performance reports

Targets

By 2027, the strategy aims to:

  • Increase AI researchers and publications by 30%
  • Launch 50 new AI startups
  • Train 15,000 individuals
  • Use AI in 25 public projects
  • Raise AI awareness in 50 government bodies
  • Improve Jordan’s global AI readiness ranking by 20%

Role of data

Data is central to the strategy. The plan outlines the creation of a Public Data Authority to oversee secure data sharing, data-driven governance, and economic value extraction through analytics. Data is addressed across four pillars: economic applications, users and governance, digital skills, and infrastructure.

Risk management

The strategy identifies high-priority risks such as:

  • Legislative delays
  • Underfunding
  • Skills mismatch
  • Data privacy concerns
  • Resistance to AI adoption
  • Job displacement

Mitigation measures include updating legislation, increasing AI awareness, ensuring data accuracy, and incorporating ethics and transparency into AI systems.

The strategy was officially launched in November 2022 by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE). The announcement took place during the 9th MENA ICT Forum, held in Sweimeh, Jordan. The strategy was developed in collaboration with international partners, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN ESCWA), and the European Union Delegation in Jordan.