The Knowledge Economy Study Team at the Shura Council held its second meeting this morning (Tuesday) for the third annual session (2025–2026) of the tenth term (2023–2027). During the meeting, the team hosted H.E. Dr. Saif Abdullah Al-Hadabi, Head of the Research and Innovation Authority, with a number of specialists from the Authority, to review its efforts in promoting the knowledge economy in the Sultanate of Oman and its role in improving global innovation indicators, in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The meeting reviewed the role of the Research and Innovation Authority the knowledge economy within the framework of its mandates issued under Royal Decree No. 11/2026, as well as the alignment of the Authority’s policies and programs with the targets of Oman Vision 2040.

Discussions also addressed the implementation status of the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation, as well as scientific zones, in addition to Oman’s performance in international indices related to the knowledge economy, such as the Global Innovation Index.

The session further explored the Authority’s role in allocating research and innovation funding across institutions and programs, including the criteria and mechanisms for distribution, and the anticipated future impact aimed at maximizing the economic return of research and innovation within the national economy. It also highlighted the Authority’s policies in fostering coordination and integration with public and private sector entities to monitor data on innovation inputs and outputs, ensuring the efficiency of the national innovation system and enhancing Oman’s performance in knowledge economy indicators.

Members of the team also raised inquiries regarding the effectiveness of the regulatory and legislative framework governing the research and innovation ecosystem in Oman, as well as the state of research and development within government and private companies, with a focus on localizing expertise, generating solutions, keeping pace with global developments, and achieving greater sustainability.

The meeting was chaired by H.E.Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Hashmi, Head of the Knowledge Economy Study Team, and attended by their Excellencies members of the team.