Research and Innovation Towards 2030: A Strategic Outlook
Khalid Alhussaini
General Director | Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Co-Founder | Consultant
In alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the country has embarked on an ambitious journey to position research and innovation as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Research, Development, and Innovation, declared in 2022: "We have adopted ambitious aspirations for the research, development, and innovation sector to ensure that the Kingdom becomes a global leader in innovation. By 2040, annual spending on this sector will reach 2.5% of GDP, contributing SAR 60 billion to the national economy and creating thousands of high-value jobs in science, technology, and innovation." (1)
This strategic focus on research and innovation is deeply integrated with the pillars of Vision 2030—namely, a Vibrant Society, a Thriving Economy, and an Ambitious Nation. It also aligns with global indicators that underscore the direct and indirect impact of research and innovation on economic growth and quality of life. According to the Global Innovation Index 2023, countries that invest effectively in research and innovation demonstrate higher economic growth rates. In 2022, global spending on research and development increased by 5.2%, leading to significant gains in productivity and economic output. (2)
A case study of the successful integration of research and innovation into economic strategy can be seen in South Korea. Over the last few decades, South Korea transformed from an agrarian economy into one of the world's largest economies, thanks to its national policies and programs that heavily invested in research, development, and innovation. Between the 1960s and 1990s, South Korea's export-driven industrial growth significantly boosted its GDP, reaching $48,985 per capita by 2021. The country has also led the digital revolution, exemplified by its "National 5G Vision," becoming the first nation to adopt 5G technology on a large scale in 2019. This initiative spurred the development of smart industries such as smart cities and digital healthcare. South Korea’s rapid economic growth has been driven by substantial and targeted research and development investments, amounting to 4.9% of its GDP, with significant contributions from the private sector, including industry giants like Samsung. (3)?
Vision 2030 Programs and Their Strategic Goals in Research and Innovation
A comprehensive review of Vision 2030’s various programs reveals meticulously crafted strategic goals that guide stakeholders across the public and private sectors. These goals serve as a "North Star," directing efforts toward achieving each program's targets. Among the 91 strategic goals identified, 26 are strongly linked to research and innovation, 46 are moderately linked, and 19 have low or no direct linkage. Although this classification may not be entirely precise, it provides a clear and comprehensive view of the extent to which each program and its strategic goals depend on research and innovation.
For instance, consider the Health Sector Transformation Program with its 4 strategic objectives:
National Strategies and Their Linkages to Research and Innovation?
An overview of national strategies, as sampled in the table below, indicates that all strategies include direct or indirect goals and pillars dependent on research and innovation. Integrating research and innovation into these strategies is essential for fostering economic growth, addressing complex challenges, improving quality of life, and creating opportunities. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Science and Research Strategy, robust research and educational programs are critical for developing and sustaining sectors like agriculture through innovation, leading to practical solutions that benefit communities and industries. Similarly, innovation policies help countries remain globally competitive by driving technological progress and creating high-skill jobs.(4)
The National Biotechnology Strategy
An exemplary national strategy that heavily relies on research and innovation is the National Biotechnology Strategy. It focuses on using research and development to drive economic growth and improve quality of life, with key areas including vaccine development, biomanufacturing enhancement, plant cultivation improvements, and the expansion of the national genome database. The strategy aims to boost integrated vaccine manufacturing capabilities for self-sufficiency and facilitate global exports while supporting research and development using the latest technologies. It also seeks to establish a comprehensive national genome database and stimulate research to develop treatments, enhancing disease prevention and healthcare quality. Additionally, in the agricultural sector, the strategy aims to improve crop productivity sustainably to ensure food security and promote environmental sustainability.
The strategy's targeted goals include contributing 3% of the non-oil GDP from the biotechnology sector by 2040, creating 11,000 specialized jobs by 2030 and 55,000 by 2040, and achieving an overall impact of SAR 130 billion by 2040. Through these efforts, the strategy seeks to position the Kingdom as a regional leader in biotechnology by 2030 and as a global leader by 2040, based on a strong foundation of research and innovation.
Government and National Research Institutions
At the core of the Kingdom's research and innovation landscape is the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA). The RDIA plays a central role in shaping national policies, allocating resources, and coordinating initiatives across various sectors to ensure a unified approach to research and development. Its strategic oversight is crucial in aligning the diverse efforts within the Kingdom towards the broader objectives of Vision 2030.
Supporting these efforts, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is a leading national research institution that drives innovation in critical areas such as energy and space. KACST is instrumental in fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government, ensuring that scientific research translates into tangible economic benefits.
The National Institute for Health Research (Saudi NIH) focuses on advancing translational research and clinical trials that improve public health outcomes. Modeled after international best practices, Saudi NIH plays a pivotal role in funding and overseeing research initiatives that contribute to both national health priorities and global health advancements.
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The National Transformation Development Program (NTDP) is another key initiative that underscores the importance of innovation in transforming the Saudi economy. By building the necessary infrastructure and capacity, the NTDP supports the Kingdom’s transition to a knowledge-based economy, with a particular emphasis on fostering technological advancements.
Defense and Security Innovation
In the defense sector, the General Authority for Defense Development (GADD) is tasked with driving innovation in defense technologies and systems. GADD oversees the development of advanced defense capabilities, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the cutting edge of military technology. This focus on innovation is essential for enhancing national security and contributing to the Kingdom's broader strategic objectives.
Energy and Industrial Innovation
Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals company, is a key player in advancing innovation within the energy sector. Aramco’s commitment to R&D is evident in its extensive investment in sustainable energy solutions, digital transformation, and advanced materials. These initiatives are not only critical for the company’s future but also for the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.
Similarly, SABIC, a global leader in diversified chemicals, is at the forefront of industrial innovation. SABIC’s technology and innovation centers are dedicated to developing sustainable solutions that address the challenges of the "new normal" in global industries. Through its research efforts, SABIC plays a crucial role in supporting Saudi Arabia's objectives of economic diversification and sustainability.
Education and Talent Development
The foundation for a sustainable innovation ecosystem lies in nurturing talent and fostering creativity. Mawhiba (King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity) plays a pivotal role in this regard, dedicated to identifying and developing young Saudi talent in STEM fields. Mawhiba’s programs are designed to cultivate the next generation of innovators who will drive the Kingdom’s future research and development efforts.
In addition to Mawhiba, the University Affairs Council, which oversees all governmental universities, is instrumental in shaping the educational landscape to support innovation. The Council ensures that universities across the Kingdom are aligned with the national objectives of Vision 2030, fostering an environment where academic research and innovation can thrive. The Council’s role in setting strategic directions for universities is crucial in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
A significant milestone in enhancing the legislative environment for innovation in government universities was the issuance of the Scientific Research and Innovation Regulations on May 30, 2024. These regulations have significantly improved the legislative framework, enabling universities to engage more effectively in innovative research activities. The new regulations provide a structured approach to fostering research excellence, encouraging collaboration between universities and industry, and facilitating the commercialization of research outcomes. This legislative advancement marks a critical step towards creating a vibrant and sustainable research environment within Saudi universities, further bolstering the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global leader in innovation.
Collaborative Synergy for Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has placed research and innovation at the core of its strategy for sustainable economic development and global leadership. The ambitious goals—such as increasing R&D spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2040 and contributing SAR 60 billion annually to the economy—underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation-driven growth.
For domestic stakeholders, this is a pivotal moment, with great opportunities for individuals, public, and private sectors to collaborate and drive innovation. The emphasis on research and development across industries is set to transform Saudi Arabia into a global leader in technology and science.
Saudi Arabia’s growing innovation ecosystem presents significant opportunities for external stakeholders and investors. By partnering with the Kingdom, investors can engage in a rapidly expanding economy that prioritizes sustainability and technological advancement. Now is the time to join Saudi Arabia in its ambitious journey toward global innovation leadership.
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