Muscat: The annual forum, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation and the Institute for Advanced Technology Integration (Ejaad), focused on building a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy to propel Oman’s sustainable development goals.

This year’s forum highlighted the essential role of research, development, and innovation (RDI) in boosting Oman’s economic competitiveness and addressing national priorities. Decision-makers from academia, industry, and government sectors gathered to discuss the transformative impact of RDI, showcasing collaborative projects that align with Oman Vision 2040.

The Ejaad platform, established under the Energy Research and Innovation Protocol, has served as a bridge between academia, industry, and government since 2017. It facilitates alignment of research efforts to the needs of the industrial sector, benefiting key fields such as energy, water, environment, logistics, and digital transformation. The platform has supported over 55 joint research projects worth more than RO 1 million and introduced 97 new industrial challenges.

On the sidelines of the forum, multiple agreements were signed to bolster Oman’s innovation ecosystem. Key projects include a partnership with Oman Oil Development Company and Sultan Qaboos University to test ETFE coatings for hydrocarbon services and composite repairs for piping systems. Other agreements, such as one with Petroleum Development Oman and Sohar University, aim to tackle the removal of radioactive materials from produced water, advancing sustainable practices in the oil and gas sector.

Additionally, the forum saw agreements focusing on wave energy feasibility in Sur, energy storage systems, and the integration of green hydrogen into existing gas infrastructure. These efforts, supported by Oman LNG, Sultan Qaboos University, and the German University of Technology (GUTech), align with Oman’s goals for a sustainable energy transition.