SACM - Netherlands
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/68623
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Item Embargo From Oil to Identity: Place branding for urban transformation in a top-down society (A case study of Saudi Arabia)(Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2024-12-11) Alsayel, Abdulrhman; Edelenbos, Jurian; De Jong, Martin; Fransen, JanThis dissertation investigates the transformation of Saudi Arabian cities under the ambitious Vision 2030 framework, focusing on the role of place branding within a centralized governance system. The research seeks to understand how cultural, institutional, and governance factors influence the effectiveness of place branding strategies in Saudi Arabia, offering a departure from Western-centric models that emphasize participatory and bottom-up approaches. By using Riyadh as a principal case study, the thesis sheds light on the implications of top-down city branding on urban development, cultural preservation, and social inclusivity. The research is structured into four interconnected papers. The first paper explores the tension between economic growth and social inclusivity through a comparative analysis involving Dubai, Amsterdam, and Toronto. The findings reveal that while creative city branding can drive innovation and attract investment, it often neglects inclusivity, leading to social exclusion. The second paper examines how various multi-level governance models impact the success of place branding in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that cities directly aligned with central government resources tend to achieve more effective branding, though this can exacerbate regional disparities. The third paper delves into the cultural and institutional factors affecting place branding, emphasizing that while central government involvement can streamline efforts, it may limit local stakeholder engagement. The final paper focuses on the rebranding of Riyadh, drawing comparisons with global cities like Barcelona and Tokyo to reveal both the opportunities and social challenges associated with rapid urban transformation, such as gentrification and cultural homogenization. This thesis concludes that while centralized governance can expedite urban development and enhance city branding, maintaining cultural integrity and fostering social equity are essential to sustainable growth. The research advocates for future studies to employ mixed-method approaches for broader applicability and to explore comparative case studies in other centralized systems, such as China and the UAE, to enrich the understanding of place branding in non-Western contexts.10 0Item Restricted Towards Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Exploring Energy Retrofitting Options and Assessing Their Feasibility.(Delft University of Technology, 2024) Felimban, Ahmed; Ulrich, KnaackThe thesis investigates the energy retrofitting of existing residential buildings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the building sector responsible for a significant proportion of the nation's energy consumption. The research introduces a comprehensive methodology tailored for the unique architectural and social contexts of KSA, aimed at significantly improving energy efficiency and thereby aiding the country in achieving its net-zero emissions target for 2060. Utilizing a case study, the methodology incorporates a detailed analysis of energy performance, identifies suitable retrofitting measures, and evaluates their cost-effectiveness. The study extends beyond the technical aspects of energy retrofitting to address its social relevance. It posits that implementing such measures can lead to substantial energy savings, improved indoor comfort, and superior housing quality. These interventions can also foster greater societal awareness of energy efficiency, counteracting the primary factors contributing to increased electricity costs. Despite the manifold benefits, the research identifies potential resistance from residents, which could arise from heightened expectations of energy upgrade providers. Interestingly, this reluctance may serve as a catalyst for providers to improve the quality of their products and services, ultimately enhancing market standards for energy-efficient solutions. Furthermore, the thesis argues that energy retrofitting could stimulate job creation and elevate the status of architectural specialties, thereby supporting broader economic development and social well-being. The thesis concludes by recommending that state decision-makers actively incentivize energy retrofitting to harvest its multitude of benefits, from enhancing energy efficiency to contributing to economic growth and sustainable development. The proposed methodology offers a robust framework for stakeholders, paving the way for a more energy-efficient, economically viable, and socially responsible residential building sector in KSA.23 0Item Restricted Is there an effect of COVID-19 on mergers and acquisitions of companies implementing industry 4.0 through the use of IoTs in Saudi Arabia?(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-02-03) Al Deen, Hytham Jamal; Den Besten, MatthijsThe COVID-19 pandemic had a great effect not only on daily life but also caused a significant catalyst in the global transition to digitization. Although countries had various measures and lockdown procedures, working remotely became the new norm while at the same time the world was battling with the pandemic from a healthcare perspective. This caused significant growth in the technology and healthcare sectors leading to many mergers and acquisitions (M&As) within these sectors. The role of industrial policy across nations was variable and has been greatly dependent on the country’s priorities and market patterns. Simultaneously and even before the pandemic, the world’s transition into industry 4.0 showed a broad industrialization into smart technology which was only catalyzed by the pandemic itself. Because technology was such a focus during this time period, companies already transitioning into industry 4.0 through the use of IoTs in some sectors tremendously benefitted from the pandemic and this was evident in the frequency and size of the mergers and acquisitions occurring in this sector. Methods This qualitative research design is based on a grounded theory approach because the focus of the study is to understand what happened to mergers and acquisitions in Saudi Arabia and what changes occurred. The focus of the interviews is to get a better understanding of how firms were affected by COVID-19, how they saw the acquisition landscape going forward and how their approach to managing acquisitions has changed. Results Data was collected from 10 employees of M&A practitioners (including executives and consultants) different companies within Saudi Arabia and also outside Saudi Arabia for comparison purposes. Initially 13 codes were identified as the key elements that were clear drivers to M&A adoption, then grouped into 4 second order themes: Demand for technological advancement, regulator / regional research, increased digitalization from pandemic, and local and international environmental laws and regulations. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it cannot be said whether COVID-19 has affected frequency and size of mergers and acquisitions for companies using IoT both in Saudi Arabia and globally. These changes in M&A trends seem to be dependent on the sector as tech and healthcare companies flourished dramatically while other sectors seemed to struggle. This shows that regardless of the resources Saudi Arabia has and its willingness to make such a strong reputation, the lack of cross-border M&As gives a strong indication that this may be due to a lack of industrial policies and focus on ESGs.6 0Item Restricted Green Hydrogen Adoption in Saudi Arabia Steel Industry(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08-31) Alzlfawi, Ahmad; Ashourizadeh, Shayegheh; Wubben, EmielThe steel industry is a major global contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, as steel production relies heavily on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. Saudi Arabia's steel industry is no exception, resulting in high carbon emissions in the country carbon footprint. However, green hydrogen offers a promising decarbonization solution. Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. In this process water is splited into hydrogen and oxygen gas without any direct carbon emissions. It can replace fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas in carbon-intensive industries such as the steel industry, by using it as a reducing agent and fuel source in the steel mills. Where it has significant potential to lower emission and reduce the industry carbon footprint within the country. This thesis investigates the adoption of green hydrogen technology in Saudi Arabia steel industry through the theoretical lenses of technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation theory(DOI). Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 representatives from Saudi steel companies to understand the factors influencing green hydrogen adoption. The interview questions were structured around the three elements of the TOE framework, technological, organizational, and environmental contextual factors. Also, the five stages in the adoption decision as per diffusion innovation theory (DOI). The study found that while there is increasing interest in green hydrogen in the Saudi steel industry. The technology is still in the early stages and considered as an unproven and scalable to be currently adopted. The technological complexity still hinders the adoption of the technology, while it was found to be highly compatible with the current production systems. Moreover, the lack of supporting regulations, and incentives over future environmental policies were also cited as adoption challenges. The interviewees noted the potential benefits of green hydrogen in reducing emissions and improving the industry carbon footprint by increasing government support, in which it could facilitate wider adoption of the technology. Recommendations include developing regulations and incentives for green hydrogen and emphasizing the relative advantages to overcome perceptual barriers. Targeted policies will be critical to enabling a transition to green steel production in Saudi Arabia.38 0