Governance and Economic Development Projects: Jordan
Jordan Regulatory Framework Study: Comparing International Best Practices (2007-2008)
Client/Agency
King Hussein Cancer & Biotechnology Institute (KHCBI)
Description
In 2005, His Majesty, King Abdullah II, launched the National Life Science Research and Biotechnology Promotion Initiative to foster life science research development and biotechnology promotion in Jordan. As part of the initiative, RTI undertook this study in order to build upon the KHCBI's evaluation of Jordan's regulatory governance framework in relation to life sciences research and the biotechnology industry.
The project studied international regulatory best practices related to the biosciences industry and compared them to Jordan's regulatory framework in order to support the KHCBI in promoting the advancement of life sciences research and the biotech industry in Jordan.
RTI's study focused on regulatory best practices at the international level in four areas significant to the biosciences industry -- health; investment; higher education and scientific research; and labor and social security. This was compared to Jordan's own regulatory framework in the same areas. The resulting gap analysis informed RTI's recommendations to help Jordanian decision makers, government officials, and business leaders consider national strategies, priorities, and activities to enhance the biosciences industry and emerging biosciences organizations in Jordan.
Jordan Overseas Investment Network in U.S. (JOIN-US) (2006-2008)
Client/Agency
Government of Jordan
Description
This program followed built upon the work RTI performed in 2005-2006 for the US-Jordan Business Alliance (USJBA), a U.S.-based alliance of business leaders working to promote the Jordanian-American commercial relationship as the benchmark for future U.S.-Middle East initiatives. RTI developed industry outreach tools for the pharmaceuticals, ICT, and apparel sectors and summarized Jordanian sector achievements and export or investment opportunities for U.S. companies.
This project established and managed the country's trade and investment promotion program in the U.S. in order to increase the number and capacity of Jordanian exporters to the U.S. and introduce U.S. companies into the Jordanian economy, with the goal of promoting a sustainable trade and investment relationship and increase foreign direct investment into Jordan from the U.S.
The program conducted outreach to U.S. companies to learn their needs and communicate the benefits of establishing a presence in Jordan. It also provided comprehensive services to facilitate the investment research and decision process. With this, it strengthened the competitiveness of Jordanian producers, encouraged investment and technology transfer into the country, and created new job opportunities in key growth sectors.