Constraints facing creative enterprises in GCC: Implications for HRD

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the creative enterprise industry play a critical role in a nation's economic growth, its development of jobs and subsequent wealth creation. However, the constraints facing creative enterprises have been seldom explored or critiqued extensively. This study explores the external factors hindering the growth and development of SMEs in creative enterprises in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries and suggests implications for research and practice. It also aims to explore how human resource development (HRD) can play a vital role in overcoming issues facing SMEs in creative enterprises at a national level. Challenges in realising a truly genuine SME industry based on creative enterprise initiative and implementation are many and often profound. This study highlights how economic and labour market factors-compounded by a faltering education system-have negatively impacted the development of creative enterprise in the GCC.