Globalization, new technology, and changing social patterns have significantly disrupted the education sector over the past decade. Transformation has become a necessity for education systems, especially for governments in the Middle East and North Africa who have recently begun to examine their education practices. Booz & Company has identified imperatives that education leaders should develop to implement education changes successfully.

Education sector leaders recognize that education provision must change. Students need the skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing, global, digital economy. A well-educated population increases national economic competitiveness. Better quality education also results in intangible benefits, such as social well-being and a more innovative approach to solving problems. While many reform initiatives are well- intended, they often fail during implementation. One major reason is a lack of communication and collaboration— policymakers often fail to involve stakeholders such as school administrators, teachers, parents, students, the private sector, and the third sector. Failure to engage stakeholders in the planning and execution of reforms can thwart change. Stakeholders are