Professor Michael Porter of Harvard Business School gave a lecture at the Alfaisal Palace on January 27.  The lecture was attended by faculty and students of Alfaisal University and the UPP, as well as representatives of the King Faisal Foundation.  Professor Porter is known worldwide for his Global Competitiveness Report, which ranks countries based on their ability to compete in the global marketplace.  He is also a consultant to foreign governments.

Professor Porter’s lecture focused on Saudi Arabia’s strategies to improve its global competitiveness.  He said that universities play a central role in the drive for competitiveness, and that Alfaisal University is a leader in this way.  Porter also addressed the recent global financial turmoil.  Because of Saudi Arabia’s stability based on oil sales, the Kingdom is well positioned to begin moving ahead of other countries if it devotes itself to the task. 

Global Competitiveness Report