The Study Team on the State of the Knowledge Economy at the Shura Council held its third meeting this morning (Thursday) during the third annual session (2025–2026) of the tenth term (2023–2027). During the meeting, the Team hosted a number of specialists from Sultan Qaboos University to review the University’s efforts in advancing the knowledge economy in the Sultanate of Oman through supporting and financing research centres, and promoting scientific research and innovation, in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the objectives of the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan aimed at strengthening the digital economy and increasing its contribution to the gross domestic product.
The meeting addressed Sultan Qaboos University’s efforts in supporting scientific research and reviewed the University’s international standing in the fields of research and innovation. Discussions also covered the forms of support provided to research centres supervised by the University, as well as the support extended to researchers and scientific studies across various fields and specialisations. The meeting further highlighted the University’s partnerships with international universities and research centres in support of scientific research and innovation in the Sultanate of Oman.
The discussions additionally examined areas of coordination and cooperation between Sultan Qaboos University and Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, particularly with regard to mechanisms for supporting and financing academic research. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of supporting innovation-based small and medium enterprises and startups.
The meeting further reviewed the key challenges facing the development of the knowledge economy sector in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly those related to financial resources required to support various research fields.
The meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Hashemi, Chairman of the Knowledge Economy Study Team, and attended by Members of the Team.