From a start-up to a thriving enterprise

In today's constantly evolving job market, education needs to shift more towards preparing students with entrepreneurial skills and specific job careers than traditional reliance on formal education.

We know the most common goal of education is to help individuals achieve the basic skills needed to accomplish whatever task or job is assigned in the future. We also know that education fosters critical thinking and creativity.

Unfortunately, educational institutions in many countries are still teaching the same subjects and use the same techniques that were used years ago pointing to the fact that education is still happening specifically in textbooks.

I remember that throughout my student life, the only advice my parents, teachers, and other benefactors gave me was to study well so that I could get a 'good' job. But I see a change today. The change, of course, is palpable, and is happening at an unprecedented pace!

The change that we’re witnessing is a paradigm shift from conventional education to the exposure of students to entrepreneurship education that encourages innovation and creativity.

In this transformative journey, educational institutions have a critical role to play. What I mean to say is that, both schools to colleges should weave entrepreneurship and industry-ready training into the curriculum.

As experts point out, entrepreneurship education is not just about learning how to start a business. It’s also about understanding what it takes for an idea to become a reality.

When students learn entrepreneurship, it means they learn the skills required to be successful in their careers. In addition, entrepreneurship plays a vital role as students become job creators rather than just job-seekers.

This will help foster a culture of self-reliance and drive economic growth in a country.

Look at the Sultanate of Oman where entrepreneurship has been adopted as a strategy to promote economic activities among young people. More significantly, supporting youth entrepreneurship is a priority in the Oman Vision 2040.

Represented by the Ministry of Education, Oman has witnessed, over the past years, steady growth through positive transformations that are taking place in line with the rapid global developments in various fields.

The National Innovation Strategy, that is part of Oman Vision 2040, focuses on research that will lead to the development of a knowledge-based society and capable national cadres, which focuses on transferring knowledge into economic revenue.

One of the most significant components of Oman’s national entrepreneurship strategy is the support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who believes that research and innovation should be at the top of the national priorities.

Entrepreneurship education in Oman include a training system for professional development, diversification of its sources and linking it to the labour market, establishment of solid bases for scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the curricula, and supporting the establishment of innovative start-ups through various programmes.

A number of start-ups have arrived at the Omani industrial scene in recent years. Many youngsters, both citizens and expatriates, have started recognising the power of start-up companies.

In 2021, a survey found that societal attitude towards entrepreneurship is positively higher among the age group between 25 and 34. This group believes “entrepreneurship is a better career choice.”

The survey also found that among those who believe starting a successful business has high status and respect and receives media attention, only just above half of those surveyed said that starting a business is easy.