Activities
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..:: International Programme on Innovation and the Use of ICT - Oman
On behalf of the Research Council of Oman, IKED is cooperating with partner organizations to prepare for the establishment of a centre for Innovation and the Use of ICT. Through this new initiative, research, analysis and practical initiatives of relevance for policy, business and entrepreneurship related to ICT should be mobilised to help diversify Oman's economy and lay the basis for more high-value added goods and services.
Oman's economy displays considerable economic strengths, due to significant revenue from oil & gas as well as sound policies and impressive governance over the last thirty years. Oman is also benefiting from strong social capital coupled with rich cultural and environmental assets. At the same time, the long-term growth potential is hampered by weaknesses in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, risk culture and a strong dominance of the public sector in the economy as a whole.
During the latter half of 2007, the world economy entered a new and more turbulent phase. Most visibly, financial markets have been thrown into turmoil driven by the appearance of unsustainable asset bubbles and financial imbalances in the US economy. The seriousness of the present situation reflects underlying structural issues as well and the world economy will most likely experience several years of depressed growth and economic instability. Whereas the demand for commodities most likely has been temporarily depressed, including for oil, growing concerns with global warming and sustainable development inevitably bring intensifying pressures for restructuring in energy production, distribution and use.
In this situation, it is even more important for Oman to take decisive steps to diversify its economy through knowledge development and building the competencies required for success in a range of high-value added goods and services. The Research Council has been assigned a key role in strengthening the country's research and innovation capabilities and IKED is preparing to play an active role in this important undertaking.
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