MUSCAT: The Fourth EJAAD Leaders Forum officially opened on Wednesday under the theme 'Together We Create Impact', under the auspices of Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Chairman of the Research and Innovation Authority. The event brought together 200 executive leaders, academics and decision-makers from government, private and academic sectors.
The primary objectives of the forum were to enhance private sector involvement in funding research and innovation, elevate Oman's global ranking in indicators, streamline the national research ecosystem through the unified EJAAD platform and activate applied industrial research projects that contribute to a knowledge-based economy in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
Najah al Rashdi, Director-General of the Innovation Centre at the Research and Innovation Authority, emphasised the importance of the private sector as a strategic partner in translating research outcomes into practical applications, commercial solutions and sustainable economic opportunities. She highlighted the forum's significance, especially with the establishment of the Research and Innovation Authority, underscoring the Authority's commitment to fostering national partnerships and advancing the research and innovation landscape.
Hajar al Balushi, EJAAD Director, underscored the programme's pivotal role in bridging academia and the private sector to convert research ideas into tangible projects that generate economic value and support Oman's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
For the first time, the forum introduced the EJAAD Shield for Research and Innovation Leadership, recognising leading industrial and academic institutions for their contributions to the national research and innovation ecosystem and their role in translating knowledge into impactful applications.
The event featured a panel discussion on the industrial sector’s role in leading scientific research and innovation. Additionally, the forum showcased several applied research and innovation projects that have reached advanced levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) through the "Souq Al Furas" (Opportunity Market). This market serves as a strategic platform to link scientific research outputs with the specific needs of Oman’s economic and industrial sectors.
The forum also included the Opportunities Market, a platform connecting research and innovation outputs with the requirements of Oman's economic and industrial sectors. The market showcased applied research projects at advanced technology readiness levels and addressed priority industrial challenges, fostering partnerships, commercial readiness, technology localisation and sustainable economic impact.
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