Future skills and competencies for Industry 4.0 transformation: A Delphi study of the Ha'il region in Saudi Arabia

Recent advancements in Industry 4.0 technology have introduced significant opportunities and challenges to various economic sectors. These new technologies demand the development of new skills and competencies. By 2030, the job market will require young engineers and leaders to possess different skill sets and operate in a new technological and managerial context. This is particularly relevant to the Saudi economy, which is influenced by the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 and its associated programs, notably the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP). This study aims to identify and analyze the key forces driving changes in the Saudi labor market using the Delphi methodology. It predicts the essential skills future graduates will need in this changing professional landscape. Furthermore, the study evaluates how well the Saudi higher education system prepares students to acquire these necessary skills. By identifying potential deficiencies in the current educational structure, the research seeks to offer practical suggestions for future enhancements, ensuring graduates are equipped for the evolving job market demands. The outcomes of this Delphi study are particularly crucial for achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, especially concerning Human Capital Development. The insights from this study help in developing a detailed national strategy for higher education reform. (c) 2024 The Authors. Published by IASE. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).