Building on digitalisation, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can leverage digital transformation to streamline operations through automation and AI, reduce costs with smart technologies, broaden market reach via digital marketing and e-commerce, and enhance decision-making with AI-driven insights and predictive analytics.

Recognising the need to translate digital transformation strategies into actionable knowledge for entrepreneurs and startups, a delegation from Palestine visited Cairo in February, 2025. The visit, part of the Riyada programme, aimed to enhance the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Business Support Centres (BSCs) in supporting SMEs and youth-led startups. The trip was organised by SPARK in collaboration with B-Hub, its local implementation partner.

The Palestinian delegation comprised representatives from four university-based business support centers:

• Birzeit University – B-Hub
• Palestine Polytechnic University
• An-Najah National University – An-Najah Innovation Park (InnoPark)
• Al-Quds University – BCITE

Workshop on Digital Transformation & AI for SMEs

During the visit, the delegation participated in  a two-day workshop programme focusing on Digital Transformation and AI for SMEs’ Sustainability. The workshop covered key methodologies and best practices, including:

• Leading Digital Transformation Frameworks: McKinsey’s 4Ds, PwC, Gartner, Deloitte, and MIT Sloan’s Digital Transformation Frameworks.
• AI in Business Optimisation: enhancing SME operations through AI-driven decision-making, automation, and cost reduction.
• Industry-Specific Innovations: AI applications in manufacturing and agriculture, helping businesses adopt cutting-edge digital solutions.

The workshop, conducted in collaboration with the Confederation of Egyptian-European Business Associations and ACG Digital Solutions Company, provided hands-on experience in:

• No-code AI tools: Botpress, Make, Zapier, n8n.ai
• Low-code AI tools: Langchain.com for workflow automation
• AI-driven digital marketing strategies
• Digital maturity assessments to evaluate SME readiness for transformation
• Risk mitigation in external communications and data privacy management.

Field Visits to Egypt’s Leading Innovation Centers

Beyond workshop, the delegation explored Egypt’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem through visits to leading innovation hubs:

• AUC Venture Lab – The American University in Cairo’s startup accelerator
• AASTMT Entrepreneurship Center – Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport
• Entrepreneurship Center for Social Impact – Heliopolis University
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Competitiveness Center (IECC) – Nile University

These visits offered valuable insights into regional best practices, incubation models, and digital transformation strategies that can be tailored to support Palestinian SMEs and startups.

Empowering Palestinian SMEs for a Digital Future

The knowledge exchange trip emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in driving innovation and digital transformation. Delegation members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to exchange experiences, gain insights from global experts, and explore practical AI applications for SMEs.

By applying  these learnings, Palestinian universities and business support centers can better equip entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and mentorship needed to navigate the digital economy. Through programmes like Riyada, SMEs can leverage digitalisation to build resilient, competitive, and sustainable businesses in Palestine and beyond.