The Sultanate of Oman has been ranked sixth among Gulf Cooperation Council countries at the level of the Arab region in the Global Innovation Index 2021, according to the recent bulletin of the Statistical Centre for the GCC countries (GCC-Stat).
The Global Innovation Index provides a comprehensive picture, as well as specifics, of the performance made by countries around the world in various facets of innovation. It depends on two main indicators: Innovation input index, which measures factors contributing to the national economy (including innovation-related activities in five key areas — institutions, human capital and research, infrastructure, market development and business development), and innovation output index, measuring real evidence of innovation results: Technological and cognitive outputs, as well as creative.
According to officials, there are a number of positive aspects that have contributed to the progress of the Sultanate of Oman, including cooperation between the relevant institutions, and the rise in initiatives related to creativity outputs like digital applications launched by Omani youth, which have had a positive impact in overcoming the challenges faced by society in this field.
Also contributing to the advancement of innovation are two agreements signed by the Ministry of Education with Oman LNG on Tuesday.
As part of the first agreement, Oman LNG will fund the provision of equipment for the Scientific Exploration Centre in North Al Sharqiyah’s Renewable Energy Education Centre. The funding support will help raise awareness of the importance of renewable energy sources for sustainable development The second pact covers the financing of a training programme targeting more than 320 students from a number of Science and Innovation Centres from different schools in North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, South Al Sharqiyah and Al Dhahirah governorates.
The programme focuses on generating creative and innovative ideas by covering different scopes including; web designs, smart technology and applications development. To further ensure its sustainability and knowledge-transfer, the programme will also involve training teachers in these fields, where they will ultimately transfer such expertise and skills to the students.
Majid al Bahri, Under-Secretary the Ministry of Education for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Dr Amor al Matani, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation, signed the agreements.
Dr Al Matani said: “Since inception, Oman LNG has shown a great interest in supporting education and innovation in Oman. We strive to ensure the provision of high-end facilities and inclusive programmes across the nation to ensure all generations are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to face the ever evolving and changing world of today. We are pleased to collaborate again with the Ministry of Education and embark on its journey towards boosting research and innovation in the country, while also focusing on the importance of renewables.”
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