Joint initiative to boost industrial innovation in Oman

MUSCAT: United Engineering Services (UES), a member of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, hosted a joint meeting to strengthen collaboration on intellectual property and industrial innovation.

The meeting, chaired by Prof Rahma al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, gathered key officials, including Dr Saif Abdullah al Hadabi, Under-Secretary for Research and Innovation, and representatives from various Omani universities and colleges.

This initiative aimed to bring together government, academia, and industry to enhance innovation. The focus was on activating the concept of asset generation for industrial innovations and reinforcing Oman’s intellectual property framework. The meeting included representatives from several universities, such as Sharqiyah University, Nizwa University, the German University of Technology, and Dhofar University, demonstrating extensive academic involvement.

Prof Rahma said: “Collaborating with the industrial sector is crucial for driving innovation and enhancing Oman’s global standing. By registering the innovations and inventions of our researchers, we can not only strengthen the country's intellectual property framework but also position Oman as a leader in innovation both locally and internationally. This initiative will play a vital role in improving Oman’s global innovation ranking and achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040.” Abdullah Khalfan al Shuaili, CHRO at UES, added: “To truly drive innovation in Oman, we must establish a strong partnership between government, industry, and academia. By aligning our strategic goals, we can overcome challenges and unlock the potential of Omani innovations. Developing a clear regulatory framework for asset generation will be a key step in boosting Oman’s innovation index, enhancing the commercial value of local products, and ensuring the country’s competitiveness on a global scale.”