Tribune News Network
Doha
As Qatar advances in its third National Development Strategy (NDS-3), economic diversification and ICV play a pivotal role in building a sustainable, knowledge-based future. By nurturing a Research and Development approach, an upskilled workforce and developed local suppliers, Qatar can ensure that its industries and talent are positioned to contribute to the country’s long-term development goals. Furthermore, availability of talent and capable suppliers is crucial to attract investors. There are a few interventions that can enhance in-county value.
Public-private collaboration and long-term focus on education and research: According to the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), Qatar has built strength in education and research, creating world-class facilities that form the foundation to the country’s research, development and innovation (RDI) journey.
Within this realm, Qatar’s initiatives that continue to bring together the public and private sectors are essential to ensure the country’s workforce and suppliers align with global standards.
By continuously investing in research and development (R&D), supporting innovation hubs, and fostering partnerships with universities and industry leaders, Qatar can strengthen its position as a knowledge-based economy. Existing research and innovation hubs in the country include: Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and Qatar Energy and Environment Research Institute (QEERI). Not only these efforts will enhance a knowledge-driven society but also they will attract international investments, driving advancements in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, energy and healthcare
Addressing the need for more graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is essential. According to Dr. Bashar El-Jawhari, Localisation Practice Leader and Partner at PwC Middle East: "While many national students pursue studies in law, business, and related fields, there is a high demand for national talent in engineering, technology, and scientific research—critical areas that support Qatar’s industrial diversification and sustainability goals.” Initiatives such as scholarships and industry partnerships can guide more nationals toward STEM careers that align with the country’s development plans.
Incentivising the private sector through some payroll subsidies may encourage the private companies to hire Qatari talent. Addressing other key issues such as insurance for parent, social security, and end-of-service benefits in the private sector can further support attracting national talent, boost productivity and support national growth objectives.
Local workforce development: Qatar is focusing on better understanding its workforce needs and opportunities to continue enhancing its upskilling efforts.
According to the recently published PwC report, Building capabilities: Local workforce and supplier development in the GCC, we find that education reforms are best positioned when they align with future industry needs, with a strong emphasis on developing advanced digital and green skills to help local workforce adapt to technological and environmental changes.
Half of the 34 universities in Qatar offer STEM programmes, covering a range of disciplines to meet the country’s growing demand for science and technology expertise. Embracing digital tools, innovation hubs, and data-driven insights can further streamline workforce training and supplier development. Continuous adoption of technology and digitalization ensures localisation programmes remain efficient, improves productivity and fosters local workforce availability for a knowledge-based economy.
Supplier development and localisation: By strengthening local supplier capabilities, Qatar can reduce reliance on international imports. Strategic sourcing, local innovation, and technology transfer—particularly in key sectors like construction, manufacturing and energy—create a competitive and self-sufficient supplier ecosystem. This solidifies the backbone of the economy and ensures responsiveness to changing market demands.
Financial and technical support for suppliers: In line with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s (MoCI) mandate, establishing a technical centre of excellence will be instrumental in facilitating sharing of leading practices and transfering of technical knowledge, enabling local industries to scale more rapidly.
Strategic financial incentives and specialised expertise for suppliers further align with Qatar’s broader objectives of economic diversification and self-reliance, bolstering resilience and propelling sustainable growth. At the same time, building a strong supply base involves attracting anchor companies to build industrial clusters around them, enhancing supplier capability and capacity databases, and supporting startups with improved market reach. Qatar has laid the foundational blocks for a knowledge-based economy. The next phase is about strengthening the connection and coordination among the different entities to maximise the impact ensuring a cohesive approach to industrial development.
ICV creation underpins Qatar’s sustainable growth by strengthening R&D, prioritising STEM education, upskilling the local workforce and develop local suppliers.