Research in GCC: The Knowledge Gap

Executive Summary

Higher realization for oil in global markets in the recent years has helped GCC nations to amass wealth and has ushered in an era of economic prosperity. Lack of reliable data and credible research has stymied private sector investments from taking calculated risks. There is a need for quality research in the region to aid in various activities such as investments, policy making etc. Research providers in GCC region include a host of international and national players. Think tanks, consultants, academic research houses and broking firms are some of the providers of research in the region. However, the region lacks qualified analysts with requisite skills and professional certifications. Overhaul educational systems, collaboration between universities, scientific organization and industries, creating a centralized database of statistics are some of the policy recommendations that are required to produce better research.

In this report, we have analyzed the importance of research and its current dynamics in the region. The report also details the overall landscape of the research industry which includes discussions around research providers, research consumers, tools used for conducting research, various research products, formats of research etc. The report also details the drivers and challenges for the research industry in the region and provides policy recommendations to improve its current status.