Qatar's Journey Toward a Knowledge-Based Econom

In 2008, Qatar launched its national vision 2030 with four main pillars: human, economic, social, and environmental. In the economic development pillar, Qatar set the goal to become a knowledge-based economy (KBE). This study intends to explore the possibilities of the KBE through reviewing successful practices, drawing insights from specialists on the challenges in transitioning to a KBE, as well as the potential economic activities of this economy in Qatar. The study includes a review of the Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem in Qatar, in addition to emphasizing the need for further Social Sciences research to facilitate the transition to a KBE. This study finds that Qatar has undertaken an enormous effort in becoming a KBE, and holds the potential to do so. However, this vision is encountered by the clear absence of the national coordinated and aligned efforts of implementation, resulting from the absence of guidance, the severe lack of human capacities, and the presence of other diverting foci, such as the instability of oil prices and its hosting of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.