All Case Studies
Case Study — MCIT, KSA

Positioning KSA as a global technology leader through NTDP strategy development

Architecting a nation’s digital future.

0

Technology ecosystem dimensions assessed

We partnered with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to develop the strategic framework for the National Technology Development Program — positioning the Kingdom as a global technology hub with emphasis on digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, and technology workforce development.

SectorGovernment & Public Sector
Duration10 months
Year2023
The Challenge

Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global technology leader required a strategic framework that could bridge the gap between national aspirations and the practical realities of building a competitive technology sector from an emerging base.

The Kingdom’s technology sector was at an inflection point. While Saudi Arabia had made significant investments in digital infrastructure and e-government services, the broader technology ecosystem — startups, R&D, deep tech, and technology exports — remained nascent compared to global leaders.

MCIT needed a comprehensive strategy for the National Technology Development Program that could simultaneously accelerate domestic technology adoption, attract international technology companies, build a national technology workforce, and create the conditions for a homegrown technology industry to emerge and compete globally.

We didn’t want another benchmarking study. We needed a strategy that was unapologetically ambitious but grounded in what we could realistically achieve within the Vision 2030 timeline.

Deputy Minister

The strategy also needed to align with dozens of existing government technology initiatives across multiple ministries, avoiding duplication while ensuring that NTDP could serve as the unifying framework for the Kingdom’s technology ambitions.

Our Approach

We deployed a cross-functional team combining technology strategy, public sector advisory, and program design expertise to develop a strategy that was ambitious yet implementable.

Phase 01

Landscape Assessment

Mapped the Kingdom’s technology ecosystem across 12 dimensions including talent, investment, infrastructure, regulation, R&D, and international benchmarking against 8 comparator nations.

Phase 02

Strategic Framework Design

Developed the NTDP strategic architecture including vision, pillars, enabling programs, and governance structure — ensuring alignment with Vision 2030 and complementarity with existing ministry initiatives.

Phase 03

OKR & Implementation Roadmap

Designed a comprehensive OKR framework with quarterly milestones, accountability matrices, and measurement methodologies to enable real-time strategy tracking and adaptation.

Phase 04

Stakeholder Alignment

Facilitated cross-ministry alignment workshops and developed the stakeholder engagement plan to ensure buy-in from the 14 government entities whose cooperation was essential to NTDP’s success.

The Impact

The strategy provided MCIT with a unified framework for the Kingdom’s technology ambitions — one that aligned dozens of existing initiatives under a coherent strategic umbrella with measurable outcomes.

0

Technology ecosystem dimensions assessed

0

Comparator nations benchmarked

0

Government entities aligned under the framework

Arpus delivered a strategy that our teams could actually implement — not a slide deck that would sit on a shelf. The OKR framework alone has transformed how we track and adapt our programs.

Director of StrategyMCIT, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Let’s write your
next success story.

Every engagement begins with a conversation. Tell us about your challenge and we’ll show you what’s possible.