Amman:Jordan's Information and Communications Technology Association (int@j) played a significant role in shaping the methodology of the 2026 World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) Global AI Index, highlighting Jordan's strengths in data and research collaboration, while also identifying priorities for enhancing AI investment and applications within the country.
According to Jordan News Agency, the association participated in an international committee comprising 22 experts from 18 economies. This committee was responsible for reviewing and approving the index's assessment criteria, weighting system, and scoring methodology.
The index evaluates 128 economies, with 105 assessed using 83 indicators across seven areas infrastructure, talent, entrepreneurship, applications, data, policies, and investment. Notably, the index does not publish an overall ranking of countries. Jordan achieved a score of 60.2 out of 100 in data, its strongest category, and 41.2 in policies, surpassing the global average of 40.3. Additionally, Jordan ranked 12th among 77 economies for international scientific co-authorship links among AI researchers, indicating its active involvement in global research networks.
The report outlined several priorities for Jordan, such as expanding AI applications across government institutions, channeling national AI strategy allocations into research and investment, supporting technology startups, and leveraging the expertise of Jordanian professionals abroad. Majdi Al Armouti, an int@j board member who represented the association on the international committee, emphasized Jordan's capabilities in data, policy development, and research as a foundation for commercial growth. He advocated for stronger support for specialized AI companies, broader adoption of practical applications, and improved access to financing to convert research and technical expertise into marketable products, services, and employment opportunities.
The association highlighted that the index is designed to assist governments and businesses in identifying gaps in their AI ecosystems and directing funding, training, and investment toward well-defined priorities. int@j's CEO, Nidal Al Bitar, serves on WITSA's board of directors and chairs its Business Development Committee, which focuses on expanding programs, partnerships, and revenue sources to support the alliance's activities.
The 2026 WITSA Global AI Index was launched in Taipei on September 1, 2026, providing a framework for monitoring AI ecosystem development and identifying investment needs. WITSA unites technology industry associations worldwide to promote cooperation, knowledge exchange, trade, and investment in information and communications technology, with int@j representing Jordan in the alliance.