The Role of Small Industries in Achieving Sustainable Development in Qassim Region (KSA)

Abstract

Small industries are one of the most important pillars of sustainable development. Accordingly, many governments have supported the establishment and growth of small industries. In this respect, Saudi Arabia has taken great steps ahead to ensure the spread and growth of this important economic sector. This study sought to know the role of small industries in achieving sustainable development in Qassim (KSA). It used the historical, inductive and spatial analysis approaches. The population included all small industries in Qassim, and this study was applied to the entire study population, which resulted in 112 small industries. The findings revealed that small industries in Qassim have achieved sustainable economic and environmental development, yet they have failed to achieve sustainable social development. Thus, this study recommends that small industries in Qassim should increase the rate of national workforce so as to achieve sustainable social development.