Enhancing Development in the Saudi Renewable Energy Sector: A Promising Strategy for Job Creation and Economic Diversification

Unemployment, a critical modern problem, has economic as well as social costs. While its economic cost can be illustrated through the loss of the value of labor, its social costs include divorce, addiction to illegal drugs, and decisions to drop out of school. This dissertation proposes investment in the Saudi renewable energy sector through the Saudi Job Guarantee Program (SJGP) to address the chronic Saudi unemployment issue. Following the establishment of a new theoretical framework based on structural/technological changes and ecological theories, in addition to the existing heterodox theory of unemployment, the research uses a Leontief Input-Output model to calculate job numbers and the new value generated by the investment of a certain amount of money in this sector. Increasing domestic energy consumption efficiency through the implementation of energy reforms, as well as accelerating progress in public services such as transportation and growth in the Saudi renewable energy sector, are prerequisites for reducing the domestic consumption of fossil fuels. Overall, the growth of the renewable energy sector, in particular, solar and wind energy, is a feasible strategy that Saudi Arabia can use to diversify its economy. The dissertation also aims to provide solutions that address difficulties in the development of the renewable energy sector, such as Green Bond/Sukuk and public-private partnerships (PPPs). The vision of this research is to reveal methods for accomplishing four goals driving the Saudi economy to high levels of employment, stability, sustainability, and prosperity.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Economics (UMKC)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri -- Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Al Yousif, Mohammed A.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Forstater, Mathew, 1961-

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/66873

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/66873