Human development plays a profound role in achieving sustainable development, by utilizing the power of well-educated blue- and white-collar laborers, academics, politicians, and people from every layer of society and the economy. However, there is no single path for human development. Planning, designing, and implementing policies for human development require country-specific approaches, based on unique characteristics such as historical development trajectories, future goals, the commitment of leadership, culture, geography, and climate, to name a few. Such strategies become even further challenging for countries that aim to achieve radical transformations from resource-based to innovation-driven and knowledge-based economies, to achieve sustainable development. In this study, a conceptual model for a holistic human development strategy in line with sustainable economic development was first designed by employing design and systems thinking approaches. Second, under the guidance of this conceptual model, an integrated policy framework for Qatar is proposed to propel the quality and quantity of human capital to achieve economic diversification and, thus, sustainable development. Third, semi-structured interviews with experts and decision-makers in relevant fields were conducted to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed policy framework. As a proof-of-concept, the interview results validated—but were not limited to—the following outcomes. First, the proposed conceptual model has considerable potential to deliver robust, feasible, and effective policies from the initiation to the implementation of strategy development. Second, selectively recruiting highly skilled expatriate professionals under progressive residency policies provides incentives for them to become long-term residents. This would attract global human capital to complement the aim of economic diversification, a sustainable economy, and human development goals. Third, carefully designed university-industry-government partnerships and technical training programs will enable the development of appropriate innovation, professional, and business skills in the local population and facilitate economic diversification goals. Finally, empowering female entrepreneurs and investors will increase women’s empowerment while accelerating economic diversification—and, thus, sustainable development.

Human development has been widely accepted as both the primary goal and driver of sustainable development. Human development is critically important for countries attempting a radical transformation from a resource-based economy to knowledge-based, sustainable development, like Qatar. This paper examines Qatar’s human development needs and challenges with respect to its economic, demographic, and educational development goals. Following a comprehensive literature review, domain-specific documentary information and data were collected and analyzed, along with qualitative insights and data obtained through semi-structured interviews with local professionals from various sectors, to gather opinions about the needs, challenges, drivers, and recommendations for human development. A preliminary integrated policy framework and set of recommendations for human development planning are proposed as a guide, for Qatar and similar countries, for transitioning from a resource-based economy to knowledge-based sustainable development. This framework and the understanding of the needs, challenges, and drivers based on the qualitative research, in conjunction and in comparison with the literature analysis, are expected to assist decision-makers in devising, and more importantly implementing, tailored policies and roadmaps focused on four key dimensions: skills (education), citizenship, leadership, and health.

Until late 1990's, core Arab traditions and a nationalistic approach were the main factors determining the structure of the educational system in Qatar. The system was old, rigid and devoid of any international benchmarking to assess its competitiveness at a global scale. However, beginning in early 2000s, the Qatari leadership, with the help of international assessments, was quick to realize that if Qatar desired a place among the leading knowledge-based economies, it had to revamp its educational system and all peripheral activities to enrich its human capital. Moreover, Qatar's need to move away from oil/gas-based economy has been a key driver to reform and enhance its education and innovation system to gradually transform Qatar into a knowledge-based sustainable economy and society, which was adopted as its National Vision 2020 (QNV 2030) and a blueprint for its sustainable development plans for the next few decades. However, while the leadership planned and focused on implementation of QNV 2030 objectives, there has been a general sense of incoherency between key stake holders and execution and implementation of conceived initiatives and reforms. This paper discusses various challenges that need to be overcome to realize Qatar's ambitious sustainable development goals based on innovation driven knowledge economy after analyzing the current progress of several reforms and initiatives within the human capital development arena. Several recommendations are proposed entailing progressive and adaptive policy-making and responsive governance of the educational and innovation framework in Qatar, which needs to invoke economic incentives and fortify intellectual property rights while nurturing expansion in innovation, education, vocational skills, information and communication technologies.