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Transition to a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia

Author

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  • Nour, S.

    (University of Khartoum, and UNU-MERIT)

Abstract

This paper discusses the progress in transition to a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia. As for the methodology, this paper uses updated secondary data obtained from different sources. It uses both descriptive and comparative approaches and uses the OECD definition of knowledge-based economy and the World Bank Knowledge Index KI and Knowledge Economy Index KEI and other indicators often used in the international literature to examine progress in transition to a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia. This paper is valuable because it adds to the existing studies in the regional and international literature and it fills the gap in Saudi Arabia literature by presenting a more comprehensive analysis and investigating recent progress in transition to knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the results confirm the importance of supporting the efforts aimed at enhancing knowledge- based economy in Saudi Arabia. Our findings imply that over the period 2000-2012 Saudi Arabia has achieved significant improvement, rapid and fastest progress not only by regional standard but also by international standard, in the international rank Saudi Arabia has climbed 26 places compared to 2000, obtaining 50th place in 2012 ranking, compared to 76th place in 2000 ranking. Our findings support the hypothesis concerning some progress in transition towards knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia. The progress appears from improvement in terms of KI, KEI, ICT pillar, education pillar, economic incentive and institutional regime pillar, innovation efficiency index, knowledge creation index, knowledge impact index, knowledge diffusion index and technological infrastructure, despite deterioration in both innovation pillar and knowledge absorption index. Based on the findings the paper recommends that to improve transition to knowledge economy and achieve sustainable economic development, it is essential for Saudi Arabia to strengthen and improve knowledge by investing heavily in education, training, boosting knowledge absorption index and innovation through intensive spending on RD.

Suggested Citation

  • Nour, S., 2014. "Transition to a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia," MERIT Working Papers 2014-029, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2014029
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nour, Samia Satti Osman Mohamed, 2010. "The incidence and transfer of knowledge in the Arab countries," MERIT Working Papers 2010-064, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    2. Nour, Samia Satti Osman Mohamed, 2013. "Regional systems of innovation in the Arab region," MERIT Working Papers 2013-012, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    3. Paul A. Davi & dDominique Foray & CNRS and Institut pour le Management de la Recherche et de l`Innovation & Paris-Dauphine University, 2001. "An Introduction to the Economy of the Knowledge Society," Economics Series Working Papers 84, University of Oxford, Department of Economics.
    4. Samia Nour, 2013. "The Incidence and Transfer of Knowledge Within the Arab Societies," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 4(4), pages 406-422, December.
    5. Nour, Samia, 2011. "Arab regional systems of innovation: characteristics and implications," MERIT Working Papers 2011-058, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    6. Samia Nour, 2015. "Overview of Knowledge Economy in the Arab Region," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 6(4), pages 870-904, December.
    7. N/A, 1998. "Acknowledgement of Referees, 1997," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 35(4), pages 799-805, April.
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    JEL classification:

    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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