Startup innovation ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa

Opportunities, challenges, and economic implications, and lessons from the UAE

Authors

Keywords:

startup, Innovation Ecosystem, Innovation, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Economic Development

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem of startup in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and its contribution to fostering economic development. The MENA region is considered one of the world's most promising investment destinations due to its abundant natural resources and substantial youth demographic, which together provide significant opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach by collecting data from a variety of secondary sources and conducting a systematic analysis. The findings reveal that the startup sector plays a pivotal role in promoting the economic development of emerging economies. However, maximizing its contribution requires the implementation of effective economic policies that prioritize technological development, entrepreneurship, and investment promotion, thereby creating and strengthening a supportive national innovation ecosystem in each country.

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Published

2026-08-23

How to Cite

BENTALEB, S. (2026). Startup innovation ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa: Opportunities, challenges, and economic implications, and lessons from the UAE. International Journal of Economic Perspectives, 20(8), 938–951. Retrieved from https://ijeponline.org/index.php/journal/article/view/1383

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 8 (2026)

Section

Peer Review Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 Sana BENTALEB

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