1. Transformation to a Knowledge
Society in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia
Dr Cathy Garner MA FSS FRSA
Director
The Work Foundation
London, UK

2. Social and Economic Improvement
Through Innovation
“ A knowledge-based society can be said to generate,
disseminate and use knowledge to improve the standard of
living and the quality of life of citizens in a sustainable way.”
Increasing Absorptive capacity :
•Societal Engagement
•New Thinking, Working and
Acting
•Capacity to Utilise New
Knowledge

3. Innovation Ecosystem Components
Macroeconomic and
regulatory context
Education and
training system
Clustersof
industries
Global
innovation networks
Regional
innovationsystems
National innovation
system
Communication
infrastructures
Factor market
conditions
Product market
conditions
COUNTRY PERFORMANCE
Growth, jobs, competitiveness
National innovation capacity
Knowledge generation, diffusion & use
Supporting
institutions
Science
system
Other
research
bodies
Firm’s
capabilities
& networks
OECD
1998

4. SUPPLY
Innovation Inputs
Strategy
Knowledge
Human Capital
Financial
Information
Leadership
DEMAND
Innovation Outputs
Revenues & Profits
Quality Improvement
Exports/Trade
Entrepreneurs
Greater Choice
Better Services
Added
Value
Market
Traction
Rate of
Innovation
Drives
OUTCOMES
Economic
Transformation
•Jobs
•GVA
•Competitiveness
Knowledge
and Innovation
•Start-up rate
•Graduates
•Patents and licenses
Quality of Life
•Perceptions
•Affordability
•Sustainability
Policy Environment
R&D, Education, Training, Market Access, Intellectual Property,
Health/Environment/Labour/Finance
Innovation Infrastructure
Research institutions, universities, knowledge-based businesses, high level
skills, growth sectors, supply networks, information networks, patents,
partnerships, support services
Linkages/Collaborations
Implementation
Innovation Ecosystem : Inter-connections
Adapted from: Innovation Framework,
National Innovation Initiative,
Washington DC

5. Essentials in a 21st Century Knowledge Economy
Fast Knowledge Creation, Diffusion and
Depreciation over Global Networks
Adapt Successful Models for Local
Context and Culture: Relationships
Precede Transactions
Building Absorptive Capacity but
Recognising Path Dependency
Intangibles : Rely on Human Capital and
Talent Utilisation and Retention

6. Recommendations for the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia : 5 I’s
• Increase Absorptive Capacity – connecting
supply and demand
• Increase Knowledge Sharing – needs soft
infrastructure – such as an Innovation Agency
• Interactive Learning – Challenge-Based
Approach (SABIC) based in making a REAL
difference to the people.
• Inspire through Communications and Role
Models
• Instigate Culture Change : Innovation Fund

7. Thank you
Dr Cathy Garner, Director
The Work Foundation
E: cgarner@theworkfoundation
W: theworkfoundation.com
T: @workfoundation
“Having all the ingredients are
not enough : it is the recipe
that delivers success.”
Adapt Knowledge LLC