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Creative Economy and Socio-Cultural Development in Saudi Arabia: Transforming Higher Education and Professional Studies for Vision 2030
This study explored the role of the creative economy in advancing the Saudi education sector toward interdisciplinary professional studies in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. A sequential mixed-methods approach was employed through the analysis of 42 policy documents, a stratified survey of 1240 students from 14 higher education institutions, and 38 semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that fewer than 8% of academic programs are aligned with creative economy sectors despite Vision 2030 targets of creating one million creative-sector jobs and increasing the sector’s contribution to 3% of GDP. Students enrolled in interdisciplinary programs demonstrated 34% higher employment-readiness perceptions and greater potential to establish creative businesses compared with their peers. The study also identified significant gaps in artificial intelligence literacy and sustainability-related competencies within current educational programs. The study concluded with recommending curricular reform, strengthening institution-industry partnerships, and expanding investment in creative economy programs to support sustainable development to achieve Vision 2030 goals.
Creative Economy
Higher Education
Interdisciplinary Studies
Saudi Vision 2030
Sustainable Development
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