The Liverpool Business School recently made a significant impact on global entrepreneurship in conjunction with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr Najib Mikati. The meeting aimed to address the challenges of entrepreneurship in Lebanon and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
An esteemed group of academics from Liverpool Business School, in collaboration with project colleagues from the Middle East, had the honour of meeting with Mr Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail. During the meeting, they presented a comprehensive policy brief on entrepreneurship in Lebanon. Dr Moustafa Haj Youssef and Dr Hiba Hussein from LJMU are co-investigators on the ‘Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region: The Uncharted Territory’ project, along with international colleagues.
The MENA region is facing significant challenges with high levels of unemployment. To address this, the project, which is externally funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation, is undertaking a thorough study to develop a new dataset on labour market trends and business ownership. The goal of this initiative is to support entrepreneurship in the MENA region.
Dr Moustafa Haj Youssef, an expert in International Strategic Management at LJMU, expressed the impact of the meeting, stating, “Our meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati was a pivotal moment in our mission to create lasting impact through entrepreneurship in Lebanon. We had the privilege of presenting our policy brief, encapsulating the findings and recommendations from our extensive research project, which is part of a broader effort to study entrepreneurship in the MENA region.”
He further added, “During our 45-minute discussion, His Excellency expressed keen interest in our recommendations. He proposed establishing a formal channel to liaise with his office, ensuring our recommendations are implemented effectively to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lebanon.”
Following the meeting, the team provided a briefing to the media, which garnered coverage in Lebanon and was featured on national television.
The ‘Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region: The Uncharted Territory’ project, which commenced in May 2023 and will continue until April 2025, aims to conduct a comprehensive survey covering Egypt, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. The dataset generated from this survey will contribute to academic research on job-type preferences and labor market dynamics, addressing the challenge of unemployment in the MENA region.
In addition, the dissemination of the findings to social communities is expected to increase awareness about the economic structure and potential opportunities. The information will also aid policymakers in economies with limited research capabilities to make informed decisions on resource allocation and social welfare optimization, particularly during times of crises.
To find out more about the ‘Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region: The Uncharted Territory’ project, visit the official website. Additionally, you can learn more about the Liverpool Business School by visiting their website.
The initiative taken by Liverpool Business School and its partners in the MENA region, as evidenced by their constructive dialogue with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, showcases their commitment to advancing entrepreneurship and addressing unemployment challenges in the region. Their efforts are commendable and have the potential to create a lasting impact on the economic landscape of the MENA region.