An investigation of the relationship between higher education and the labour market in Kuwait
There is a general perception in Kuwait that the education system has not contributed to the socio-economic development of the country as effectively as expected. This perception is generated by the apparent limitations in meeting the needs of the labour market and hence that of the economy. The State of Kuwait depends heavily on its hydrocarbon resources, mainly crude oil, and a large proportion of its economic activities are dependent on foreign labour. There is a need for the development of a national workforce to meet the increasing demand for an economy that is sustainable beyond the current dependence on oil revenues. The government has invested heavily in the education sector at all levels in order to meet this need, but so far, as this study will confirm, there has been a very limited progress. This study examines the relationship between higher education and the labour market in Kuwait. In particular, it attempts to identify factors that might have contributed to the weak link between the higher education system and the labour market. Therefore, in order to understand the thinking of the different stakeholders involved in education and the labour market, the study relies on qualitative research methodology based on primary data collected through semi-structured interviews and secondary data from a review of various documents and government of publications. The discussion of the findings led to the suggestion of a set of recommendations for improving the higher education system and strengthening the relationship between higher education and the labour market in Kuwait.
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