Focus Areas

Urban and Regional Governance

In order to continuously improve the quality of life for people in our cities and regional communities, government officials and…

In order to continuously improve the quality of life for people in our cities and regional communities, government officials and administrators must make decisions on every aspect of local life; from taxes and fines to municipal parks. The study of governance is all about who makes those decisions and how they are made. In this focus area, we study the systems, institutional structures, actors and processes involved in defining and implementing collective action at the city and regional level.

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Public Policy

Public policy refers to a government’s choice of action or lack thereof in dealing with issues of public interest. Studies…

Public policy refers to a government’s choice of action or lack thereof in dealing with issues of public interest. Studies conducted within this area aim to produce solid policy analysis in all policy areas, which are relevant to local governance. Covering the entire policy cycle, the output of this focus area provides Saudi policy makers with information on how policies perform in practice; interact with other policy areas, as well as on the implications of alternative policy options.

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Local Economic Development

In order to be able to compete in an increasingly competitive and interlinked global economic context, regions and cities need…

In order to be able to compete in an increasingly competitive and interlinked global economic context, regions and cities need to re-assess their economic development policies and business environments. This focus area investigates how local government authorities can stimulate their local economies in order to improve the quality of life and promote inclusive growth in cooperation with the private and non-profit sector.

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Citizen Engagement

As a result of increasing demands by citizens to play a greater role in decision-making processes, facilitated by unprecedented advances…

As a result of increasing demands by citizens to play a greater role in decision-making processes, facilitated by unprecedented advances in modern information and communication technologies, citizen engagement has been put on top of the agenda of local governments around the world. There are significant potential benefits to be had for governments that enhance citizen engagement such as gains in political legitimacy and improved quality and efficiency of service delivery.

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Institutional Capacity-Building

Local governments have become an increasingly important actor in tackling modern policy changes. However, expectations have not always been matched…

Local governments have become an increasingly important actor in tackling modern policy changes. However, expectations have not always been matched with the required resources on the ground. This focus area aims to critically assess the state of Saudi local government agencies and develop research-based solutions to existing gaps in capacity in order to improve public sector management in the Kingdom.

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