Khasawneh to "Alrai": Artificial Intelligence enhances the resilience of the Jordanian economy against energy shocks
Amman3 min read
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Academic specializing in artificial intelligence and digital skills, Dr. Yazan Alaya Khasawneh, affirmed that artificial intelligence and data science represent important tools for enhancing the Jordanian economy's ability to face energy shocks, reduce production costs, and raise the competitiveness of companies in light of disruptions in global supply chains and trade.
Khasawneh said, in exclusive statements to "Alrai," that the continued disturbances in the Strait of Hormuz are not limited to rising oil prices, but extend to shipping, insurance, and raw material costs, which puts pressure on companies and their ability to expand, invest, and hire, especially in import-dependent economies.
He added that data analysis allows companies to forecast demand, improve inventory management, reduce waste, and choose lower-cost alternatives, helping them adapt to market fluctuations and limit losses, emphasizing that technology does not eliminate the impact of rising energy prices, but enhances the efficiency of dealing with it.
He explained that employing artificial intelligence tools in analyzing energy consumption, optimizing transport routes, and managing supply chains can reduce a portion of operating expenses, stressing the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting digital solutions so that the benefits of technological transformation are not limited to large institutions.
Regarding the current account deficit, Khasawneh pointed out that the rising energy and shipping bill, along with potential pressures on tourism, may increase the need for external financing, making the diversification of exports and the enhancement of local production an economic necessity.
He indicated that analyzing trade and production data helps in identifying sectors capable of expansion, products that can be manufactured locally efficiently, and promising markets for Jordanian exports, allowing for the direction of investments toward more viable opportunities and reducing reliance on the outside.
He emphasized that dealing with energy shocks requires balancing the protection of the most affected groups with maintaining financial stability, pointing to the possibility of using data to identify the most affected groups and sectors, evaluate the impact of support programs, and improve the efficiency of public spending.
He stressed the necessity of diversifying energy sources, improving the efficiency of their use, strengthening productive sectors capable of exporting, linking education and training to labor market needs, and benefiting from Jordanian competencies in technical fields.
Khasawneh concluded by emphasizing that the success of digital transformation is not measured by the number of technical systems and projects, but by their actual impact in reducing costs, raising productivity, enhancing competitiveness, and creating sustainable job opportunities, contributing to building a more resilient Jordanian economy capable of facing crises.
