Education & Health
From The Report: Oman 2023
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Education, health and other social services are central to Oman Vision 2040, the country’s long-term development framework that aims to create a knowledge-driven, diversified and competitive economy. Indeed, the authorities are working to shift a portion of the local workforce to the private sector, as well as enhance the role of private entities in the provision of both heath care and insurance – factors that will be key in transferring some of the government’s current cost burdens to the private sector. In terms of education, the government has prioritised equipping Omani nationals with the skills and knowledge to compete in a changing employment market, whether that means adopting technology in the classroom or expanding the reach of technical and vocational education and training programmes and institutions.

This chapter contains an interview with Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Development drive: The government’s commitment to investing in social services strengthens education and health care provision
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Education, health and other social services are central to Oman Vision 2040, the country’s long-term development framework that aims to create a knowledge-driven, diversified and competitive economy. Indeed, the authorities are working to shift a portion of the local workforce to the private sector, as well as enhance the role of private entities in the provision of both heath care and insurance – factors that will be key in transferring some of the government’s current cost burdens to the…

Interview

Innovating for impact: Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, on increasing the private sector’s involvement in research and supporting start-ups
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Interview: Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi In what ways can the private sector further contribute to research and development (R&D) output? RAHMA BINT IBRAHIM AL MAHROOQI: The private sector can contribute to R&D through energy-related activities. In this sense, the EJAAD platform, a virtual collaborative programme, has around 40 partners who produce R&D action plans that align industry and academia for an enhanced R&D ecosystem. Additionally, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research…

Analysis

Local capacity: New facilities specialising in the production of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals could help to reduce reliance on imports
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To boost local production of pharmaceutical goods and medical devices, Oman unveiled plans in 2020 to establish new pharmaceutical factories that would help ease reliance on imports, increase national output, and diversify the economy and export revenue. There were five local companies producing medicines and medical equipment when the plans were announced; Oman is seeking to develop five additional facilities. Prior to the opening of the new factories, domestic producers held an 8% share of the…

Analysis

Patented innovation: Developments in higher education aim to boost patent filing
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In terms of the filing of international patents, 2022 was a record-breaking year, with higher education playinga significant role in driving innovation and expanding international practices regarding intellectual property (IP). The UNWorld Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) reported in February 2023 that 278,100 international patents had been filed globally in 2022, a 0.3% increase from 2021 andrepresenting the 13th consecutive year of growth. Revealingly, the largest share…