Jordan has launched the Higher Education for Innovation and Growth activity to transform universities into engines for economic development. This specific initiative revolves around the modernization of the Jordanian HEIs with market-oriented, student-centric education that enhances the employability of youth by bridging the gap between academic education and the private sector’s demands.

The project provides technical and material support to five selected universities, enabling them to partner with industry leaders to solve real-world societal challenges. A new Partnership Incubator and dedicated Incubator Fund will provide the platforms and capital needed to foster innovation and spur investment in high-growth sectors across the country.

To ensure global standards, the program facilitates peer exchanges between U.S. and Jordanian universities to reform curricula and launch joint research. Additionally, an HEI Peer Network will be created to share best practices nationwide, while evidence-based policy dialogues with the government aim to remove barriers to innovation.

At the end of this project, these institutions will emerge as key stakeholders in the Jordan labor ecosystem. The goal would be to establish a positive partnership among the government, businesses, and higher education institutions that contribute to improved labor market outcomes and a more resilient and innovation-driven economy