AUK assistant professor completes research at Harvard University

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Research centered on sustainable economic development

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 29: Dr. Khalid Saeed, Assistant Professor of Economics at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) completed his research fellowship at the Center for International Development at Harvard University; the research centered on sustainable economic development and models of structural transformation for developing countries.

The primary goal was to investigate how a robust R&D sector can affect the country’s know-how and productive capability, and the critical role governments can play in achieving sustained increases in total factor productivity. Throughout the fellowship, Dr. Khalid consulted and collaborated with leading economists to discuss and progress the efforts of the research.

Dr. Khalid explained the motivation behind the topic, saying, “Building the knowledge infrastructure in Kuwait is critical for the country’s sustainable development objectives. In recent years, policymakers in Kuwait have concluded that reliance on oil-exports is non-sustainable for the country’s future. As a result, they have taken initial steps to diversify the country’s export-base and income. Yet, Kuwait still struggles in critical areas necessary for transforming its economy to a knowledge-led economy.”

According to recent data for highincome countries, Kuwait ranks among the lowest in education and training, and innovation systems – two pillars of the Knowledge Economy Framework. Kuwait has also taken some steps to diversify its economy away from natural resources. Dr. Khalid’s research calls more government involvement in the R&D sector by investing in the country’s most valuable asset – its citizens. His centralized growth approach emphasizes the need for building the knowledge infrastructure necessary for sustainable development and growth.

This investment in human capital means greater public sector commitment to STEM and Economic Science education and research – at all levels. It also means new public-private partnerships in order to provide future generations with the tools needed to compete in a knowledge-intensive economy. Dr. Khalid aims to continue to develop this research and plans to introduce his work to his students and incorporate the principles of sustainable economic development for Kuwait and the Gulf region into the courses he teaches.

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