The Role of Najran University in Achieving Economic Development in the Region from the Point of View of Faculty Members

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the role of Najran University in achieving economic development in the region. Theoretical framework: Universities are specialized scientific institutions to prepare manpower qualified to work in the various developmental economic sectors by providing learners and workers with specialized economic knowledge, competencies, and the necessary practical technical skills. This enables them to interact positively with the requirements of development in the digital world. However, the failure of universities to keep pace with the growing intellectual, scientific, and economic development, and linking this to development issues and the renewable needs of society is a shortcoming in the aspired roles that the university should play. Design/Methodology/Approach: To achieve the aim of the study, the study used the descriptive analytical approach. A questionnaire was used as a tool for the study and included (20) items. After verifying the tool's validity and reliability, it was distributed to the study sample, (441) faculty members at Najran University. Findings: The study concluded that Najran University has a high role in achieving economic development in the region. Also, there were no statistically significant differences at the significance level of (0.05) between the responses of the study sample according to the variables of gender and academic rank. In addition, there were statistically significant differences at the significance level of (0.05) according to the specialization variable in favor of scientific disciplines. Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study implicates the role of economic development that university should play in the community. Originality/Value: The study identifies the role of Najran University in achieving economic development, so that colleges, scientific departments, and academic programs realize the reality of their role in this field and work to improve the less effective roles. This serves as an introduction to a comprehensive perception of what other universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should do