Arab Educational Information Network

This study aimed to explore the expected changes related to autonomy of state universities in Saudi Arabia and monitor their potential implications, to determine the: expected benefits, elements for success, importance of governance, obstacles to success, expected pre-implementation difficulties and proposals to facilitate the application of autonomy in state universities. The study uses Delphi technique to collect the opinions and expectations of a panel of experts (from ministry officials and universities’ faculties). 42 experts participated in the first round, and 37 participated in the second. According to the experts' responses, a number of challenges that may hinder the success of autonomy has been identified. Based on the results, the study concluded with a number of recommendations. (Published abstract)