Cities in Saudi Arabia are at a stage where they are driven by the forces of globalization, information technology, and rapid urbanization. However, the rapid pace of urbanization has led to new problems in urban Saudi Arabia. The cities and the informational technology play a significant role in overcoming those issues. SAGIA or Saudi General Investment Authority has promoted several plans to promote different forms of knowledge and economically pwerful cities (Why Saudi Arabia 2012).1.1 IT-induced transformation of Dammam Metro Area (DMA)1.1.1 DMA is the center of oil export and commercial goods, plus a transit point for distribution of good throughout Saudi Arabia.
Provides sea, air, land and digital points for the flow of goods, services, and information
1.1.2 Make an analysis of virtual DMA with the help of Activity System Model because of the application of digital technologies.
Activity System Model used to test the activities of DMA residents without the IT devices.
Changes in urban space and activities in DMA to be seen in a broader context of different disciplines covering cultural studies, urban planning, communication and engineering.
1.1.2 Complex and contradictory relation between IT policies and their application in Saudi cities
four types of relation such as complementary, generation, substitution, and enhancement
Under the complementary relationships, the parallel effects of physical and electronic development, the flow of goods and services via a physical and digital channel and social pattern of access are closely related.
For the substitution effects, the cost of office space and the remote locations linked via cyber spaces matter.
The complementary and substitution effects are clearly observable while the effects of generation and enhancement are just beginning to surface.
2.1 IT-induced transformation of Saudi Arabia cities
2.1.1 Strategy for knowledge-based development in DMA
Planning and implementation of knowledge assets and its density to encourage balanced and inclusive growth.
The kind of institutions for creating knowledge, its dissemination and use, economic diversity, cultural vibrancy and the level of consumption.
Different types of assets and their mixture such as the research centers, tertiary educational institutions and resourceful urban residents.
Identify the assets within the Activity System Model for effective planning and implementation along with regular monitoring.
2.1.2 Knowledge asset identification and inventory
Knowledge activity centers for research and education form a network of innovation-oriented culture.
Initiatives were taken in medicine and built environment to advance research in health services and actively participate in the process of urban development in Saudi Arabia.
2.1.4 Important assets for the growth and development of DMA (Bergek et al. 347).
Symbolic assets – Unify assets such as art, culture and sports and develop tourist attractions, plus focus on historic oil assets.
Social assets - a huge reservoir of Social assets due to a more organic development and become an administrative and commercial hub.
Human assets – Attract a large number of international population and talented students to boost knowledge activities.
Heritage and cultural assets – Become a major heritage site by sponsoring culture events and exhibitions of arts and artifacts.
Natural, environmental and infrastructural assets – Take advantage of the unique urban setting for exemplary knowledge-based development.
Financial assets – promote competitiveness by providing financial incentives and enhancing the livability factor of the area.
Knowledge assets – The physical assets have limited life as compared to the emerging development tools of innovative knowledge.
Technology assets – Make use of cloud computing, collaboration programs, and new urban mechanics to foster interactions between citizens, firms and institutions.
2.1.3 Shared idea of economy for DMA
Great benefits for the local firms, residents and institutions based on the new best practices and local emerging ideas.
3.1 Agenda for planning, implementation and performance monitoring of Dammam Knowledge Metropolis (DMK)
31.1 CH2Hill master plan have guided the current development of the metropolis since the early 1980’s and is based on a rational compressive model.3.1.2 Increase application of ICT requires changes in the model and look for more suitable options that promote superior connections to the knowledge ecosystem.
Intensify the current trends in knowledge creation and dissemination.
Bring a radical transformation in the current industrial cities in DMA and see how knowledge-based development can be best achieved.
Make use of Grassroots Innovation Ecosystem to tap the resources of the local entrepreneurs.
3.1.3 The Principles of shared economy
Product service system
Redistributive markets
Collaborative lifestyles
3.1.4 Key actors for creative hotspots and innovation hubs will include the department of social development, municipalities, and the global development community.
4.1 Performance monitoring
4.1.1 Agree on a Performance monitoring mechanism
Knowledge development criteria to explore new knowledge
Protection of entrepreneurial experimentation criteria
Resource mobilization criteria
Market formation criteria
Influence of direction of search criteria
Legitimation criteria
5.1 conclusion
5.1.1 All the above agendas are achievable
5.1.3 The opportunities provided by the democratizing technologies should be increasingly formalized.5.1.2 knowledge-based development is feasible, and DKM needs to strive for the best and engage all diverse factors and participants.
5.1.2 All participants and actors need to work together to make DKM a reality through informed knowledge and awareness.
6.1 Benefits for the students
6.1.1 Students get first hand information on how the changes in the economy, information technology, and rapid urbanization can impact a city.
6.1.2 The value of cities and their enormous potential is released as the world’s economies are anchored to cities.
6.1.3 Students learn the value of sustainable development that is possible only be a shared idea of economy.
6.1.4 The students gain info on how additional financing, active participation, and additional funding can help enhance the resilience and efficiency of a city.
6.1.5 Effective distribution and supply of resources such as energy, water, and information technology are the key to successful adoption and transformation.
Works Cited
Bergek, Anna, et al. "Analyzing the Functional Dynamics of Technological Innovation Systems: A Scheme of Analysis." Research Policy 37.3 (2008): 407-29. Web.
"Why Saudi Arabia." Sagia.gov.sa. 2012. Web. 18 April. 2016.
