In research and development, the concept of “vision” refers to a future conception that draws a promising tomorrow, in a condition better than the one we experience today. It is a condition that cannot yet be seen in reality, nor can it become tangible unless specific objectives are achieved. Taken together, and as they are fulfilled one after another, those objectives reflect the image of the desired state to be reached — much like the pieces of a picture puzzle, whose image is not completed unless every piece is placed in its correct position. A vision, in its overall form, has a comprehensive working mechanism — a strategy — that ensures its realization. At the same time, the implementation of each pillar of that strategy has its own separate mechanism of action, operating simultaneously with the others, with each seeking to achieve a set of objectives whose collective fulfillment reflects a principal objective that strengthens the foundation of the promising vision.

A vision clearly reveals the difference between our condition today — let us symbolize it as point “X” — and our condition at a future point in time — represented by point “Y.” Between these two points lies a gap known as the “time gap” of the transitional phase. It begins at the moment the first decision is taken within the working mechanisms aimed at achieving the vision’s objectives, and ends when all objectives have been fulfilled, thereby reaching the comprehensive realization of the vision initially conceived. As for the “state gap” between these two points, it refers to the difference between the condition at the first decision within those mechanisms and the effect of the final decision within them. The longer the time gap, the lower the intensity of the successive shocks resulting from the working mechanisms, in an inverse relationship between the size of the gap and the severity of the shocks — and vice versa. With regard to the state gap, the relationship is direct: the larger the state gap, the greater the intensity of the successive shocks resulting from those mechanisms — and vice versa.

As for visions related to the development of states across their various dimensions, when considering the measures of these two gaps — the time gap and the state gap — between “X” and “Y,” the temporal measure of “X” is the year in which implementation of the mechanisms begins, while the temporal measure of “Y” is the year in which the objectives of those mechanisms are achieved. The state measure of “X” is the condition of the state in the year the mechanisms begin, while the measure of “Y” is the condition of the state in the year those objectives are achieved. It should also be noted that the measure of “Y” in the state gap must be higher than “X,” and equal to or higher than the average condition of other countries with comparable capabilities.

How does national vision, transition gaps, and development planning affect Kuwait?

Its effect appears in how costs, incentives, and resources are managed, and in Kuwait's ability to turn decisions into sustainable value. The direct context is an analytical framework for defining vision, transition gaps, and the time and state measures required for national development planning.

When does economic visions become a problem when productivity is absent?

A serious vision reveals the cost of transition, assigns responsibility, and measures results; otherwise it remains a general promise without executive force. When productivity is ignored, the idea becomes a limited procedure that does not change the wider path.

When does economic development become a problem when productivity is absent?

Development becomes sustainable when it builds productivity, skills, institutions, and exports capable of generating renewable value. When productivity is ignored, the idea becomes a limited procedure that does not change the wider path.

When does exports become a problem when productivity is absent?

Exports reduce fragility because they widen income sources and force the private sector to test its capacity in markets not protected by the state. When productivity is ignored, the idea becomes a limited procedure that does not change the wider path.