forms and projects to enhance the network’s position and competitive- ness in the global media arena. To follow Al Jazeera’s development, in this chapter we will look at the following three stages: - Stage 1: Establishment to 2003. This launch stage is distinguished by Al Jazeera’s clear spark, particularly in its constant coverage of the most important events in the Arab and Islamic world and beyond. - Stage 2: 2003 to 2010. This expansion stage is characterised by cementing the network’s expansion towards globalisation and the crit- ical changes needed to respond to this through the network’s general administrative approach. - Stage 3: 2011 to 2021. This stage is characterised by a number of internal and external variables that affected Al Jazeera. The state of acute polarisation in the Arab political environment affected Al Ja- zeera, and merited it certain categorisations given its position on the Arab Spring revolutions. Another variable was the technological rev- olution reflected in a number of initiatives and projects, most notably the launch of an infrastructure development programme (Al Jazeera Workplace Transformation project or AJWT) and the establishment of the digital sector. Internally, the network sought to reduce its budget in the later years of this stage, which affected institutional development. Defining Institutional Development Before a more thorough presentation of Al Jazeera’s institution- al development paths during these three stages, we will first explain institutional development at the theoretical level. Institutional devel- opment is a critical process based on scientific methods meant to help institutions build their ability to change, compete and have more of an impact by applying, improving and enhancing strategies, structures and processes (1) .
(1) Lage Bergström, Development of Institutions is Created from the Inside: Lessons Learned from Consultants’ Experiences of Supporting Formal and Informal Rules , (Stockholm: Edita Communication AB, 2006).
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