Jeddah: A session titled "Digitalization and National Talent: Enhancing Competitiveness in Advanced Manufacturing Environments," held today as part of the second Saudi Industry Forum 2026 in Jeddah, discussed ways to prepare national talent for future professions. It also explored how to enhance workforce readiness to lead the transition toward advanced manufacturing amid the growing use of digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the session reviewed efforts to align education and training outcomes with the needs of the industrial sector. These include developing educational and career pathways that address future skills and strengthening partnerships among government entities, universities, and industrial establishments. Such efforts aim to narrow the gap between academic specializations and labor market needs.

Participants also discussed initiatives to build national capabilities, including raising awareness of industry and industrial professions during general education. Other initiatives include developing advanced industrial schools that combine general and specialized curricula in robotics and automation, establishing apprenticeship programs, and cooperating with universities to develop specialized fields and educational pathways aligned with the sector's needs.