SI Global Solutions and Dell Technologies have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating digital transformation in Pakistan through cutting-edge technology solutions and products, continuing their 10-year partnership to the next level at an event titled ‘Powering Possibilities Technologies’, held recently, as per a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, SI Global Solutions CEO Dr Noman A Said emphasised that Pakistan must move from being primarily a consumer of technology to becoming a developer and exporter of technology. To do that, research and development must become a national priority, backed not only by funding but also by procurement policies that give locally developed technologies a chance to prove themselves at scale.
Countries such as Singapore have built globally competitive technology ecosystems through sustained investment in R&D, industry collaboration and commercialisation, while Malaysia has introduced mechanisms that give qualified locally developed R&D products priority in government procurement.
Our public procurement rules also need to evolve. Technology cannot always be procured purely based on the lowest price or traditional qualification criteria. Procurement should recognise innovation, local intellectual property, R&D investment, cybersecurity, lifecycle value and technology transfer.
Speaking as the chief guest, Country Manager Dell Technologies Naveed Siraj said technology adoption was growing across Pakistan, while the rapid pace of technological advancement was making it increasingly important for businesses to select solutions that best suited their requirements.
He said aligning government policies with local technology adoption was essential to fully benefit from emerging technologies and new business models in an era increasingly driven by technology and artificial intelligence.