Human capital development and economic productivity in Saudi Arabia: A review paper evaluating vision 2030 education and labor reforms

Abstract

This review study evaluates the impact of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 education and labour market reforms on human capital development and economic productivity. The focus is on how these reforms align educational outcomes with labour market demands and contribute to economic diversification, with a comparative analysis of other GCC countries. Using a systematic literature review of studies published between 2017 and 2024, the study assessed key indicators such as educational attainment, skill levels, employability, and employment patterns to measure the effectiveness of these reforms. The findings highlight notable advancements in academic quality, curriculum modernization, and female labour force participation, which rose from 19.4% in 2016 to 33.6% in 2022. When compared to other GCC countries, Saudi Arabia's reforms have shown relatively successful results. However, challenges persist in achieving full economic diversification and social stability.