Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can boost entrepreneurship in the country and create jobs, according to a local businessman.

Abdullah Al-Rubian, who is based in Riyadh, said: “ICT encourages revolution and supports people to realize their ideas for new companies, products and services."

"It provides access to a market far greater than what was previously possible for start-ups, making the future of business unpredictable, but exciting,” he said.

He said a new work force, heavily influenced by productivity resulting from ICT, is entering the labor market in the Kingdom and around the globe.

This force is characterized by greater individual freedom, openness to mixing work and private life, and a tendency to challenge established ideas and authority.

The increasing demands of a digital marketplace in the Kingdom are pushing firms to move away from traditional hierarchical forms of decision-making and toward a more organic, networked-based structure by providing people with tools and infrastructure to make it easy for them to start a business, he said.

Sandeep Sakhala, an Indian businessman who recently visited the Kingdom, said: “The effect of ICT on entrepreneurship is incredible, and leads to increased numbers of entrepreneurial opportunities, improved market access for entrepreneurs and reduced transactional costs, as well as reduced costs for starting a new business.”

Experts believe that for these "digital natives, work is much more than just a paycheck." These workers "reject unhealthy relationships with office life, and instead believe work should fuel their ambitions and help them complete personal goals. Organizations that want to attract them must foster a culture of openness, creativity and innovation. At the same time, they must also take advantage of the experience and knowledge of their current work force."

With the advancement of mobile connectivity, working hours can be set at leisure and business can be conducted from anywhere.

A Saudi woman who works in a Riyadh-based hospital, said: “ICT can help employers adapt to these new demands for flexible working environments, but when employers are slow to adapt, inspired employees become entrepreneurs.”

“Connectivity allows aspiring business owners to be more productive and efficient. It also empowers individuals, leading to self-education through online courses, analytical reading and discussions.”

Earlier, the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and Forbes Middle East signed a cooperation agreement to issue a classification of major young entrepreneurs aiming to present them as pioneers who are setting examples of success.

Recently, more than 500 women entrepreneurs who work from home showcased their products to promote home-based businesses.