SALALAH: The Forum on the Reality and Future of Scientific Research and Innovation in the GCC Countries concluded on Tuesday, with participants calling for stronger research cooperation between the GCC countries and for the benefits of international experiences to be shared.
The forum was organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, was held over two days in Salalah.
The first day focused on the role of scientific research and innovation in economic development. Speakers from the GCC countries discussed their countries' respective strategies for promoting research and innovation, as well as the challenges they face in this area.
The second day of the forum focused on the legislative and financial challenges faced by higher education institutions, scientific research and innovation. Speakers discussed successful experiences in attracting external support and funding for research, as well as in mobilising the outputs of scientific research and transforming them into pioneering companies.
In his closing remarks, Dr Salah bin Soumar al Zadjali, Director General of Programmes and Capacity Building, Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, highlighted some of the key takeaways from the event, including the importance of research cooperation, student exchange, and the exchange of researchers.
Al Zadjali also called for the GCC Council to adopt research priorities and to provide participatory funding for research. He also stressed the importance of the Gulf University in Bahrain having a role in all GCC countries, and of the transition towards a knowledge-based economy, which will push companies to pay attention to scientific research.
The forum was a valuable opportunity for researchers from the GCC countries to share their experiences and to discuss ways to promote research and innovation in the region.
The participants' recommendations will be taken into consideration by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation as it develops its future plans for research and innovation in Oman.
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