Thesis Proposal Economist in Saudi Arabia Riyadh – Free Word Template Download with AI
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands at a pivotal moment in its economic history as it implements the ambitious national transformation agenda known as Vision 2030. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this strategic framework aims to reduce oil dependency, stimulate private sector growth, and develop non-oil industries while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global investment hub. At the heart of this transformative process is the critical role of the Economist – a professional whose analytical acumen directly shapes policy formulation, investment attraction, and sustainable economic development. This thesis proposal focuses on Riyadh, the capital city serving as both the political epicenter and economic engine of Saudi Arabia, where nearly 70% of national GDP is generated through key sectors like finance, technology, and government services.
While Vision 2030 has generated significant momentum, persistent challenges remain in effectively translating economic diversification goals into tangible outcomes. Current research reveals a critical gap: the specific contributions of economists in Riyadh's policymaking ecosystem are under-documented, particularly regarding how their strategic recommendations influence sectoral development and private investment flows. In a rapidly evolving landscape marked by global volatility and technological disruption, there is an urgent need to understand how Economist professionals navigate complex socio-economic variables unique to Saudi Arabia Riyadh. Without this understanding, the Kingdom risks misallocating resources, underutilizing human capital, and failing to create inclusive economic growth that benefits all citizens.
This study aims to:
- Map the evolving responsibilities of economists within Saudi government bodies (e.g., Ministry of Finance, SAMA, CMA) and private institutions in Riyadh.
- Analyze case studies where economist-driven strategies successfully accelerated non-oil sector growth (e.g., fintech in Riyadh's Digital City, tourism under Saudi Tourism Authority).
- Evaluate the impact of economic diversification policies on SME development and female workforce participation in Riyadh.
- Identify institutional barriers hindering economists' effectiveness in implementing Vision 2030 objectives.
Existing scholarship on Saudi economic transformation (e.g., Al-Rasheed, 2019; Fadel, 2021) emphasizes macro-level policy frameworks but neglects the micro-level agency of economists. International studies on resource-rich economies (e.g., Norway's sovereign fund model) offer transferable insights but lack contextual adaptation to Saudi Arabia Riyadh's cultural and governance landscape. Notably, a 2023 World Bank report acknowledges "the underutilized potential of domestic economic talent" in KSA, signaling an urgent research imperative for this Thesis Proposal. This work bridges that gap by centering the economist as both subject and catalyst of change.
A mixed-methods approach will be employed:
- Qualitative: In-depth interviews with 30+ economists across Riyadh-based entities (including SAMA, PIF, and major private firms) using a structured questionnaire exploring decision-making processes and policy impacts.
- Quantitative: Analysis of economic datasets from General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) spanning 2015–2025 to measure correlations between economist-led initiatives (e.g., sectoral subsidies, regulatory reforms) and KSA's non-oil GDP growth.
- Case Studies: Deep dives into three Riyadh-centric projects: the Riyadh Metro infrastructure rollout, the King Abdullah Financial District's Fintech Hub, and the Diriyah Gate development – all heavily influenced by economist inputs.
This research will deliver three key contributions:
- Practical Framework: A validated model for optimizing economist engagement in national economic planning, directly applicable to Riyadh's policy corridors (e.g., Ministry of Economy & Planning).
- Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations: Specific guidelines for enhancing economist training programs at Saudi universities (e.g., King Saud University, Riyadh) to align with Vision 2030 skill requirements.
- Gender Inclusion Metrics: Data-driven insights on how economists can better integrate women into high-value economic roles, addressing the current 35% female labor participation gap in Riyadh's private sector.
The significance extends beyond academia: By demonstrating the economist's role as a catalyst for sustainable growth, this Thesis Proposal will inform KSA's human capital strategy under Vision 2030, potentially influencing the recruitment standards of entities like NEOM and the Saudi Central Bank. It also addresses global interest in resource economy transitions, positioning Riyadh as a case study for emerging markets.
| Phase | Months | Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Review & Design | 1-3 | Fully vetted research framework, ethical approval from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) |
| Data Collection | 4-7 | Interview transcripts, statistical datasets, case study documentation from Riyadh institutions |
| Data Analysis | ||
| Drafting & Validation | 11-14 | |
| Final Submission |
In the dynamic context of Saudi Arabia Riyadh, where economic transformation is inseparable from national identity, the contribution of economists transcends traditional advisory roles. They are architects of a new economic paradigm – one that balances fiscal responsibility with innovative growth. This Thesis Proposal asserts that by rigorously studying how economists in Riyadh translate Vision 2030 into measurable progress, we can unlock pathways to sustainable prosperity. The research directly responds to Saudi Arabia's national priority of "empowering its people" through economic inclusion, ensuring that the economist's expertise becomes central to the Kingdom's legacy as a modern global economy. As Riyadh evolves from an oil-dependent capital into a knowledge-driven metropolis, this work will provide the evidence base for cultivating the next generation of economists who can navigate both local complexities and global opportunities. The findings will not only advance academic understanding but actively contribute to making Saudi Arabia Riyadh a benchmark for economic transformation in the 21st century.
- Al-Rasheed, M. (2019). *A History of Saudi Arabia*. Cambridge University Press.
- Fadel, R. (2021). "Vision 2030 and the Future of Work in KSA." *Saudi Economic Journal*, 34(5), 89-104.
- World Bank. (2023). *Saudi Arabia Economic Monitor: Diversification and Inclusion*. Washington, DC.
- Saudi Vision 2030 Official Portal. (2023). *National Transformation Program Framework*.
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