MUSCAT, NOV 15
The State Council on Sunday opened the fourth ordinary annual sitting of its eighth term (2023-2027), discussing a study that calls for assessing the returns Oman derives from its investments in scientific research and innovation.
Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, opened the session by congratulating His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on the occasion of National Day.
The council discussed a study by its Education and Research Committee titled 'Scientific Research and Innovation: Priorities and Measuring the Return on Development in the Sultanate of Oman'. The study identifies research and innovation as key pillars of a knowledge-based economy.
Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Sarmi, Chairman of the committee, said the study seeks to analyse Oman's research and innovation ecosystem and assess the extent to which its priorities are aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the requirements of the country's economic and service sectors.
The study examined legislation, governance, funding, human resources and data, drawing on Gulf and international experiences in linking research funding to national priorities, measuring impact and using findings to guide decision-making.
"Is it enough to know how much we spent, how many papers we published and how many patents we registered? Or do we need to know what has been achieved from this investment and how it has been reflected in Oman and its different sectors, government and private?" asked Dr Mohammed al Saqri, Rapporteur of the committee.
The committee consulted several institutions, including the Ministry of Education, Oman Investment Authority, Research and Innovation Authority, Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, and universities such as Sultan Qaboos University, University of Nizwa and Sohar University.
"Oman has a clear scientific research and innovation system made up of institutions, programmes, initiatives and national capabilities. But the challenge is not in the existence of these components, but in linking them," Dr Al Saqri said.
The study proposes establishing an Omani National Framework for Measuring the Impact and Return of Scientific Research and Innovation. The framework would track research from the initial investment stage through development, testing, adoption and practical application, ultimately assessing its impact and returns.
Dr Al Saqri explained that returns should not be measured solely in financial terms but should also encompass economic, social and cultural benefits, improvements in public policies and services, and reductions in institutional costs and processing times.
"What distinguishes this study is that it moves the debate from counting inputs and outputs to measuring return," he added.
The council also approved the inclusion of another proposed study by the committee, titled "Educational Services Supporting Learning in Oman: A Legislative and Regulatory Framework to Enhance Equal Learning Opportunities", in its work plan.
Khalid al Saadi, Secretary-General of the State Council, said the current sitting includes draft laws, legislative proposals and studies, in addition to the council's new mandate relating to economic agreements.
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