The Chamber of Industry of Damascus and its Countryside hosted a specialized workshop on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation, in cooperation with the Syrian American Engineers Association and the US-based firm Works Design. The event focused on strengthening Syria’s industrial competitiveness by promoting digital integration and modern production systems.
Core Pillars of Digital Transformation
Discussions highlighted the adoption of advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software to enhance operational efficiency and reduce production errors. Participants emphasized that equipping Syrian engineers with advanced digital skills is essential to enabling them to compete internationally and to positioning Syria as an attractive destination for foreign investment.
Engineer Wafaa Abu Lubdeh, a board member of the Chamber and head of the chemical sector, described industrial digitization as a strategic necessity. “Digitizing industrial work has become essential to keep pace with competition in both local and external markets,” she said, stressing that modernization depends on adopting internationally recognized digital systems that improve productivity and quality.
Addressing Structural Challenges
The workshop also addressed key obstacles facing Syrian industry, including technical barriers and resistance to change, challenges that mirror trends seen globally during digital transitions. Engineer Omar Muhammad, founder of the US-based Design Works consultancy and a specialist in industrial digital transformation, underscored the importance of upgrading factory infrastructure and developing local engineering talent.
He noted that integrating innovative technical standards into Syrian industry would support a qualitative leap in performance, helping the sector overcome existing technical and human resource challenges while aligning with global developments. Organizers said the initiative represents a foundational step toward preparing Syria’s industrial base for the demands of the digital economy and fostering long-term industrial growth.
