| Abstract: |
In the first critical assessment of knowledge economy dynamic paths in Africa
and the Middle East, but for a few exceptions, we find overwhelming support
for diminishing cross-country disparities in knowledge-based economy
dimensions. The paper employs all the four components of the World Bank’s
Knowledge Economy Index (KEI): economic incentives, innovation, education, and
information infrastructure. The main finding suggests that sub-Saharan African
(SSA) and the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries with low levels
of KE dynamics and catching-up their counterparts of higher KE levels. We
provide the speeds of integration and time necessary to achieve full (100%)
integration. Policy implications are also discussed. |