Bridging the Digital Divide: Iraq’s Path Toward Innovation and Growth

September 16 marks the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South

Science and technology, from time immemorial, have been among the fundamental forces driving humanity forward. This day offers us the opportunity to recognize the foundational role that science and technology have in shaping our societies and, particularly, to reflect on their importance for Iraq.

For most countries, developing a technology, science, and innovation policy and strategy is an integral part of national development planning. Yet, in today’s world, recognizing the importance of these fields also means recognizing the conditions that enable them to flourish. Technological and scientific advancement depends not only on ideas and talent, but also on sustained investment, adequate infrastructure, and access to knowledge and resources.

Overcoming Barriers to Digital Progress

Multiple wars and sanctions have severely constrained Iraq’s access to technology and to scientific research for decades, while disrupting the funding and institutional support necessary for their development. The effects of these constraints remain profound and visible today in Iraq’s technological infrastructure. In particular, Iraq’s prolonged weaknesses in its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) system have hindered its capacity to keep pace with the global efforts towards a digital economy.

Building a solid national ICT system requires looking beyond infrastructure alone and towards the educational structures that underpin it. The integration of technology education in Iraqi school curricula is essential to equip the youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with innovation and to foster a culture of technological literacy from an early age.

Mercy Hands’ Impact: The Basra Initiative

Over the years, the non-governmental sector has played an important role in supporting the advancement of science and technology in Iraq. This year, Mercy Hands Organization implemented the fourth cycle of its “Bridging the Digital Divide” project, in collaboration with Mercy Hands Europe, targeting young students in Basra. Over the course of 6 months, 250 young people, including 50 students from disability institutes, received foundational training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and Artificial Intelligence literacy.

In addition to its educational component, the project aimed to strengthen the capacity of local teachers to deliver an inclusive ICT curriculum to integrate in their schools. It also sought to facilitate networking between schools and the digital job market by organizing internship days at the IT departments of private companies.

Shaping the Digital Leaders of Tomorrow

The project had a significant impact in shaping the minds of the participating youth towards digital thinking, starting from their educational and career aspirations. After the conclusion of the project, 71% of the involved youth expressed interest in pursuing higher education and/or employment in the field of information technology. This suggests that the training had a strong influential role in shaping the students’ academic and professional trajectories and demonstrated the potential of early exposure in influencing their career orientation.

Many of the participating students also explained their intention to contribute to the development of technological solutions. One student mentioned her willingness to dedicate her summer vacation—where she is free from time constraints and the pressure of school—to immersing herself in the field of technology, mentioning her ambition to enter the field of cybersecurity. Three students linked their ambition to develop ICT skills to their will to enhance their employability in other fields, such as medicine or translation.

Investing in Iraq’s Technological Future

Overall, Mercy Hands’ efforts to advance digital and technological education among the youth demonstrate the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation to engage with science, technology, and innovation. By strengthening students’ digital skills, introducing them to emerging technologies, and connecting learning with opportunities in the digital sector, such initiatives contribute to building the skills and interest needed for Iraq’s future technological development.