National Strategic Planning for the State: A Comprehensive Vision for the Future

• Questions of Reality and Answers for Change

We often ask fundamental questions about the stark contrast between countries that achieve significant accomplishments and influence the world, and those that remain stagnant without any noticeable progress. Why do some educational systems produce leaders and thinkers, while others suffer from weak outcomes? Why are certain healthcare systems able to manage crises efficiently, while others collapse at the first real test? Most importantly, why do some countries remain stuck in stagnation for decades without achieving genuine development that allows them to escape the “bottleneck”?

• The Problem: Absence of Strategic Vision

The answer to these questions lies in the absence of critical elements necessary for building a strong and progressive state, including:

1. A Clear National Vision:
   1. The lack of a comprehensive national vision translated into precise developmental strategies.
2. Institutional Work:
   1. Dependence on personal visions and individual efforts instead of building an integrated and effective institutional system.
3. Scientific Methodologies and Governance Systems:
   1. The absence of clear performance standards to measure achievements and guide the path forward.

• The Launch Towards the Future

National strategic planning is the essential starting point for achieving the required qualitative transformation. Its primary objective is to build a robust institutional system that supports the implementation of comprehensive national developmental strategies and brings about a significant transformation in all state institutions across five fundamental sectors:

• The National Sector.
• The Government Institutions Sector.
• The Municipal Sector.
• The Endowment and Charitable Sector.
• The Private Sector.

• Definition of National Strategic Planning

National strategic planning is an integrated process aimed at developing all aspects of life in the state—whether economic, political, educational, social, military, healthcare, or others.

It is a process that requires the concerted efforts of political leadership, government, societal elites, and citizens to build a unified and ambitious vision. This vision enables the state to achieve comprehensive power, transition from dependency to political and economic independence, and join the ranks of developed nations.

• The Difference Between National Strategic Planning and Organizational Planning

Although both types of planning share general principles, national strategic planning differs in several critical aspects:

1. Scope and Depth:
   1. National planning addresses all sectors at the macro level: ministries, institutions, the private sector, charitable organizations, and civil society organizations.
   1. Organizational planning focuses on a single sector, primarily the private sector.
2. Analysis of Power Elements:
   1. National planning relies on analyzing the state’s comprehensive power: economic, social, military, and political capabilities.
   1. Organizational planning focuses solely on analyzing internal strengths and weaknesses.
3. National Will and Consensus:
   1. National planning requires national consensus among political leadership, government, elites, and citizens, regardless of their affiliations.
   1. Organizational planning does not require such national-level agreement.
4. Political Leadership:
   1. National planning demands charismatic political leadership with a far-reaching vision and a genuine desire to advance the state.
   1. Organizational planning does not necessitate this level of leadership.
5. Timeframe and Results:
   1. National planning requires several years (4 to 8 years) to yield tangible results, focusing on building comprehensive power.
   1. Organizational planning typically delivers results within a shorter timeframe (months to two years).

• Conclusion: Towards Building a Strategic Vision

National strategic planning is the cornerstone for building a state capable of achieving sustainable development and breaking free from persistent cycles of crisis. It is not just theoretical rhetoric or a paper-based plan; rather, it is a national vision, political will, and a roadmap that demands national consensus, scientific methodologies, and effective governance. It shifts from individual effort and personal judgment to a professional institutional system.

In the next article, we will discuss the key pillars for building national strategies, with a focus on successful international experiences and how to leverage them effectively.