Creative Insecurity: Institutional Inertia and Youth Potential in the GCC

The Middle East is experiencing a youth bulge, but many MENA economies discriminate against young people joining the workforce or opening businesses. This book explores the problem of creative insecurity, which can cause economic and political vulnerabilities and threaten national security. GCC member-states should invest in an innovation ecosystem that harnesses the talent of the youth majority to ensure a successful transition to the post-oil era.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The Middle East is currently experiencing a significant surge in its youth population, making it one of the world's most prominent youth bulges. However, many economies in the region, both formal and informal, tend to favor the power of business elites, which discriminates against young individuals seeking to join the workforce or start their own businesses. This discrimination limits their ability to contribute to innovation and economic growth. While large youth populations can bring about tremendous potential for growth, if left alienated and confined, they can also drain a society politically and economically.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are not immune to this perilous dilemma. This book explores the issue through a novel concept called "creative insecurity." Creative insecurity refers to a state's susceptibility to an institutional ecosystem that stifles opportunities for innovation, ultimately leading to economic and political vulnerabilities that pose a threat to national security.

In her insightful study, Dania Thafer argues that GCC member-states should prioritize averting the negative effects of ill-disposed elite politics and capitalize on their demographic dividend. By investing in an innovation ecosystem that harnesses the talent and potential of the youth majority, the GCC can successfully transition to the post-oil era and achieve sustainable growth.

One of the key challenges facing the GCC is the need to address the imbalance between the demands of the youth population and the existing institutional structures. Many young people in the region face barriers to education, employment, and entrepreneurship, which limit their ability to contribute to the economy. The GCC countries should prioritize investments in education, training, and entrepreneurship programs to empower young people and provide them with the skills and resources they need to thrive.

Furthermore, the GCC countries should promote policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. This can include initiatives to promote research and development, attract foreign investment, and create an environment that fosters creativity and risk-taking. By investing in innovation, the GCC can create new job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

In conclusion, the Middle East is facing a significant youth bulge, which presents both opportunities and challenges. The GCC countries should prioritize investments in education, training, and entrepreneurship programs to empower young people and promote innovation. By doing so, they can harness the potential of their youth population and achieve sustainable growth in the post-oil era.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787389502