Vision 2040 to put universities on global map

The Oman Vision 2040 gives top priority to raising the quality level of higher education, especially in the field of scientific research and innovation.

It was revealed that Oman Vision 2040 targets at least three institutions to make it to the top 300 of the QS World University Rankings.

Speaking during an interaction, Dr Bakhait bin Ahmed al Mahri, Under-Secretary for Higher Education, said the ‘Strategic Research Projects” programme will be implemented and that the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) has recently conducted a study to find out the challenges of researchers and innovators.

Al Mahri said that there is a continuous review of curricula and teaching methods in higher education institutions.

Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Under-Secretary for Research and Innovation, said the total expenditure on scientific research amounted to RO 66 million, according to the latest survey of science and technology indicators submitted by the Sultanate of Oman to UNESCO.

He said there are nine of 28 institutions in the higher education sector that have obtained academic accreditations and there are institutions that have not yet applied or completed the same process.

Al Mahri said private universities in the Sultanate of Oman continued to be not profitable despite great efforts and progress made by them over the years.

He said that many programmes to support scientific research and innovation were launched by the ministry, including the Competency-Based Research Programme, including 461 research projects.

Al Haddabi said what has been accomplished in scientific research and innovation since 1995 until today is a matter of pride as these achievements are made in a short period.

Al Mahri said the focus is not only to have a large number of institutions but also to make them accessible to all as per the goals in Oman Vision 2040.

Al Haddabi said, “Considering scientific research as a sector for innovation and linking it with higher education is an important and supportive step because the quality of education is directly linked to the quality of scientific research and innovations.”

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