Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to transform the nation’s development trajectory. Since its inception, Vision 2030 has achieved remarkable milestones, with public and private entities in KSA committed to meeting its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
However, there has been an overwhelming fixation on meeting these KPIs, often at the expense of ventures that do not directly contribute to Vision 2030 targets. To truly drive progress, it is crucial to look beyond these metrices and embrace the potential of innovative and groundbreaking ideas.
Reflect on the mid-20th century Space Race between the former Soviet Union and the USA. This period of intense rivalry was not just about reaching the intergalactic world first; it ignited a worldwide passion for discovery in science, technology, and space exploration. The ‘race to first’ created thousands of engineers and scientists across the globe. This spirit enabled many countries, including developing economies, to launch their own space programmes.
A recent example is India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, developed by ISRO, targeting lunar exploration. Similarly, the UAE’s space programme has made significant strides, with the Emirates Mars Mission’s Hope Probe successfully entering Mars’ orbit in 2021, showcasing the nation’s growing capabilities in space exploration.
As the Kingdom strides towards fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2030, it is crucial to remember the importance of the journey itself. The quest to achieve the targets for flagship giga-projects like the Red Sea or NEOM must not eclipse the potential for broad-based innovation and growth. Imagine, in the pursuit of these monumental goals, the emergence of countless SMEs along the scenic western coast of Saudi Arabia. What if these initiatives, even if they don’t hit every prescribed target, still contribute to a dynamic and multifaceted economic landscape?
Enriching the Vision 2030 journey
The journey towards Vision 2030 should spark the same joy and enthusiasm that one experiences when travelling. Merely reaching the destination is not an enriching experience. It’s the full journey package (people we meet, food we taste, and unexpected moments we encounter) that enriches our journey immeasurably.
In reimagining Vision 2030, there is an opportunity for the Saudi government to embrace a more adaptive and explorative approach. Rather than solely focusing on meeting predetermined targets, a shift towards a more agile and curious mindset can unlock new opportunities. For example: nurturing SMEs alongside megaprojects could diversify the national economy, laying the groundwork for breakthroughs that could propel Saudi Arabia to new heights.
Performance indicators are crucial to measuring the outcome of any successful national development programme and they must be diligently monitored. However, it should not serve as the single compass of a transformative journey.
Vision 2030 should not just be about a set of targets but a journey towards a brighter future. The programme must foster a culture of curiosity, resilience, and innovation much like the ‘Space Race’. After all, it’s the experiences gained, and the knowledge gathered along the way that truly makes the difference. One must make every moment count.
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