talent with the best Arab and international technology partners to co-create scalable solutions ready for regional and even global development. In the era of digital transformation, the ability to connect local talent with global ecosystems is becoming a key determinant of success in creating impactful technology solutions.

EcomEdge has developed a comprehensive vision to provide a practical and conceptual framework for its technical cooperation program, which connects Syrian talent—including engineers, software developers, designers, and entrepreneurs—with Arab and international partners to build scalable technology products and services for deployment in local, regional, and even international markets.

Context and Importance

Syria possesses a rich technical human resource, both domestically and internationally, with programming skills, communications expertise, the ability to understand and manage big data, and design digital products. Conversely, there is a lack of platforms that facilitate integration with regional and international innovation ecosystems.

Hence, the concept of linking these talents with external partners offers a range of capabilities, most notably:

• Faster transfer of knowledge and the latest practices.
• Access to markets, financing, and infrastructure not available locally.
• Providing opportunities to localize scalable solutions that can withstand regional and global market variations.

Through its technical cooperation program, EcomEdge aims to empower Syrian talent with access to global market expertise and products, create scalable technology solutions suitable for markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and beyond, build sustainable collaborations between Syrian teams and international partners (companies, incubators, universities, etc.), and ultimately enhance digital export opportunities and increase the value of Syrian startups.

EcomEdge’s Ambitious Vision for the Operating Model

• Network Structure:
  Central Hub: A digital platform that brings together talent portfolios, pilot projects, partner matching mechanisms, and a space for joint venture management.
  Local Nodes: By establishing work centers in Syrian cities or diaspora communities to equip talent with the operating environment.
  Partner Network: Regional/international technology companies, universities, incubators and accelerators, and social investment funds, culminating in what could be called a “Syrian Silicon Valley,” combining local, regional, and international capabilities on Syrian soil.
• Connecting Mechanisms:
  Assessment and Certification: Technical and skills testing of talent with short digital certificates.
  Initial Collaboration Programs: Teams working on a network of projects.
  Strategic Partnership Projects: Joint product development contracts with revenue-sharing incentives.
  Technical Exchange Workshops: Seminars and training sessions from partner experts.

Financial Model and Governance

• Funding Sources: International grants, funding from regional investment funds, returns from product development contracts, and subscription fees from partner institutions.
• Revenue and Intellectual Property Share: Flexible models ranging from partial intellectual property sharing to regional licenses based on each party’s contribution.
• Governance: A multi-stakeholder advisory board (Syrian, Arab, and international) sets policies, and an operational group manages platforms and operations.

What are the expected benefits?

One of the most important benefits that can be achieved through the EcomEdge concept and model of technical cooperation is accelerating product maturity by providing talent access to broader test markets and the potential to create and provide more sustainable technical jobs inside and outside Syria.

The concept of technical cooperation will also enhance the export of digital services bearing the “Made in Syria” label, contributing to increased revenues for the Syrian technical community. In addition, it will enhance Syria’s technical reputation regionally and internationally. The most important goal is to build a Syrian “Silicon Valley” model on Syrian soil, combining Syrian and international expertise and companies.

What are the challenges and how can they be addressed?

EcomEdge recognizes that a realistic outlook must always be present, especially when it comes to finance, business, and technology. It is impossible to imagine achieving goals and dreams without challenges and obstacles. Therefore, it is important to recognize the existence of a number of challenges, including logistical and bureaucratic constraints. This necessitates the provision of flexible mechanisms for project implementation through a range of solutions, such as remote contracts, outsourcing companies, and promoting the concept of working with third parties, particularly through freelancing.

Security and privacy issues also rank among the top obstacles, so it’s important to rely on internationally compatible security standards. In addition, due to local and even regional circumstances, there’s a gap in management and marketing expertise. Therefore, training programs in product management, sales, and market entry strategies are essential.

Then, there are two major obstacles: limited initial funding and attracting reliable partners. Therefore, a strategy must be built based on multiple funding sources, not limited to a single source. This is where opportunities arise to obtain grants and contributions from a range of partners, as well as obtaining percentages of revenue from services provided. All of these will constitute secure and sustainable funding sources that prevent the vision from failing, or even becoming dependent on specific parties, who may impose conditions and strategies that conflict with the very concept of the vision itself.

As for the possibility of attracting reliable partners, clear value propositions can be built, represented by providing access to low-cost talent, and offering quick and concise market tests and studies. Local partnerships will also facilitate access to local and international markets to some extent, by leveraging the expertise available within local companies, especially those with many years of experience in regional and international trade, and by leveraging the public relations networks available to them, even if these companies and public relations do not have direct contact in technical specializations and fields. The goal of expansion, profitability, and developing the business structure in general will bring all parties together to achieve a “win-win” equation.

EcomEdge… Working to build bridges of technical cooperation

The technical cooperation program can serve as an effective bridge between young Syrian talent and regional and international partners, generating scalable technical solutions that meet the needs of the local and regional markets. The key to this is designing a practical, flexible model that addresses logistical and financial challenges and prioritizes building real, commercially viable products—and this is where the opportunities lie to transform potential into tangible economic reality.