Knowledge-based Economic Development as a Unifying Vision in a Post-awakening Arab World

Schwalje, Wes (2011): Knowledge-based Economic Development as a Unifying Vision in a Post-awakening Arab World.

Abstract

This article traces the evolution of knowledge-based economic development in the Arab World. In pursuing this objective, many countries in the region have made large state-driven human capital investments with the goals of job creation, economic integration, economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and social development. An assessment of the effectiveness of Arab investments in human capital shows marginal progress towards knowledge-based development over the last decade. A disconnect between the skills developed in Arab skills formation systems and those required by private sector employers relegates Arab businesses to contesting lower-skilled, non-knowledge intensive industries which has stalled knowledge-based development in the region.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Arab World; Middle East; skills formation; knowledge economy; competitiveness; skills development policy; economic development
• Subjects: J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J4 - Particular Labor Markets > J40 - General; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J4 - Particular Labor Markets > J41 - Labor Contracts; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J2 - Demand and Supply of Labor > J24 - Human Capital ; Skills ; Occupational Choice ; Labor Productivity

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