The Oman Debate was a healthy taster of things to come..... A refreshing open forum where although it kicked off with our typical reserved and conservative Omani way of not pointing to the elephant in the room, it gradually picked up pace, to everyone now wanting to describe details of the elephant from their perspective view.
The most interesting fact is that due to 40 years of not believing in the existence of elephants (an extinct breed in our beloved Oman), let alone the actual realization that this very elephant had been among us for quite a while and probably had an extended family of elephants, standing as I write this in various rooms within the system, this realization and public acknowledgment is a step forward towards finding ways to moving the ever growing elephant.
The debate highlighted many issues of current importance, not only in Oman but in many countries within the MENA region and perhaps the world; With 60% of the population under the age of 30, issues such as unemployment, job creation, human capital suitability to local market skill demands, entrepreneurship and education, education, education.
At best the panel discussions were a tennis match between government sector panelists (Ministerial level) and private sector panelists (Chairmen & CEOs of corporate Oman), where neither made it to match point unfortunately. What is worth mentioning though is the complete and utter marginalization of the third and perhaps most important sector under the current circumstances, that is, the civil society sector. Both session panelists failed to even mention social commitment and how their organizations are implementing a paradigm shift to strengthen civil society through social initiatives in a bid to narrow the gap between the service providers (government & private) and end users.
There needs to be an awareness that any national development strategy must have three pillars, namely, government sector, private sector and civil society; their buy in and commitment are crucial. Until now, we are still failing to bring the third and maybe most instrumental pillar into the equation. Most instrumental because it is the GAP that is always referred to in our local and regional markets; this sector, when empowered and strengthened holds the potential to drive change, cutting cost and yielding desired results for the other two sectors.
What really struck me as well is how the discussions kept going back to education, which is the slowest system to yield measurable results when it comes to reform, while entrepreneurship and SME development were just touched upon. I desperately raised my hand towards the end of the debate in a hope to point out the pressing need to focus on faster and effective solutions for our "Elephant in the room" situation but I seemed to be in Tim Sebastian's blind spot; I even stood up for 5 whole minutes risking my dignity and reputation, but seemed to still be in Mr. Sebastian's blind spot.
What I wanted to point out was the absolute urgency to create a "National Entrepreneurship Development Strategy" that is drafted by effective representatives from all three sectors. A strategy that makes the most of new Information Communications Technology (ICT) advancements, that employs social media platforms to communicate with the bursting bulge of youth. A strategy that has the fast paced rhythm of change and flexibility at it's center, surrounding a core of local tradition, values and heritage.
A strategy that is able to crowd-source the many young patriotic minds waiting to be part of building the nation; with the right vision, guidance and leadership, they will work as diligently as ants do. After all, we all know that the most feared creature by the elephant is an "Ant".
To be continued on steps to develop the SME sector and polish the local entrepreneurial spirit.........
One thing we know pretty clearly is that a *comprehensive* entrepreneurship development strategy in needed. We have to keep in mind that it's an ecosystem with many moving parts. But... if we do, we can make remarkable progress!
It is hard for top-down, institutional perspectives to "get" the crazy bottom-up, networked entrepreneurial process but crafting a comprehensive strategy is doable. You just might have to do it yourself! (You will find that you have many friends around the globe, if you do so. Count me in, for one. I met the Startup Weekend Oman organizer & I know Oman's great entrepreneurial potential!)
Just Entrepreneur It!
Norris
Posted by: Entrep_thinking | January 20, 2012 at 09:05 AM