1. The Research Council Oman Fahad Al Hosni, PhD Director, Research Admin

2. TRC found in 2005 Royal Decree no. 54 Mission: Create an innovation ecology that: Is responsive to local needs and international trends, Fosters social harmony, and Leads to creativity and excellence Vision: Oman Is innovation hub the GCC – leader in producing new ideas, products and services Has deepest research capacity in the region Has research excellence in selected areas Is receptive to local social and economic needs Has infrastructure for evidence- based policy decisions

3. Goals 1. Research Capacity Develop graduate programs in science and humanities Create specialized grad. programs in selected areas Build world class researchers (faculty, graduate students and engineers) Encourage research in emerging multidiscipline 2. Research Excellence Select areas of importance Build for excellence Strengthen research in diverse areas of national interest Build strength in policy research for informed decision making

4. Goals 3. Knowledge Transfer Diffuse knowledge between academia, local industries, government, and other publics Align research with local socioeconomic issues Collaborate on top ideas that fits national needs Foster innovation across society, specially among entrepreneurs & SMEs 4. Enabling Environment Make Oman as attractive place for leading international scholars, scientists and corporations to conduct research Improve research environment for Oman-based researchers

5. 3 Wave Strategy 2008 2010 2012 20142016 2018 2020 Remove Hurdles Align with National Needs Build for the future Research Impact Regulatory Reform Research Funding ICT enabler for others Electronic platforms Researchers & Equip Database Awareness Research culture (undergrad. Grad. Funds, Educational innovation, Media, Branding) Capacity building Local & International Cooperation OS e-library ORG, 45% S. Rate using excellence & relevance evaluations Involve Stockholders to build for excellence (national priorities) 12 Sustainable development projects Eco-house Competition 4 Strategic Research Program 2 Chair programs Industrial innovation Center Research excellence Centers: OAPGRC/EOR/IATI OMREN National Innovation Center Science and Technology Park STI project 5 EnableEnableAlignAlignBuildBuild

6. Thank you