4th EJAAD Leadership Forum Opens Under Theme “Integration for Impact”

4th EJAAD Leadership Forum Kicks Off Under Theme “Integration for Impact”

Muscat: The activities of the 4th EJAAD Leadership Forum commenced today under the theme “Integration for Impact,” with the participation of 200 executive and academic leaders, along with decision-makers from various sectors.

Organized by the Research and Innovation Authority, the forum is held under the auspices of Dr. Saif Abdullah Al Haddabi, Chairman of the Research and Innovation Authority.

The forum aims to enhance the private sector’s contribution to funding scientific research and innovation, improve the Sultanate of Oman’s ranking in relevant global indices, and raise the efficiency of the research ecosystem through the unified EJAAD platform. It also seeks to activate applied industrial research projects that support a knowledge-based economy and contribute to achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Najah Mohammed Al Rashidi, representing the Research and Innovation Authority, stated that the EJAAD Leadership Forum continues to convene annually for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting the success of its previous editions. She highlighted the forum’s role as a national platform that brings together decision-makers, experts, and researchers to strengthen cooperation and build unified directions within the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) ecosystem.

She explained that the EJAAD program represents a pioneering national model that embodies integration across various sectors to support the research system. The program has contributed to strengthening R&D structures within private sector institutions and providing clearer and more effective mechanisms for decision-makers to identify future research priorities based on accurate data and the actual needs of the business environment.

The forum reviewed the State of Qatar’s experience in promoting scientific research and innovation within the industrial sector and highlighted the role of EJAAD in maximizing the value of research and innovation for industry.

Key highlights of the forum included the signing of five membership agreements for the EJAAD platform with several national companies, as well as the signing of five industry-funded research projects to be implemented by national academic institutions. The event also featured a presentation showcasing success stories from the industrial sector’s journey in research, development, and innovation.

During the forum, the National Database for Instruments and Equipment “Mu’iddat” was officially launched. The platform is a national digital system designed to organize and facilitate access to research and technical facilities across government, academic, and industrial institutions, with the aim of improving resource utilization and strengthening integration among relevant entities.

“Mu’iddat” serves as a centralized database documenting available research capabilities, providing detailed information on equipment, facilities, and associated services. Developed in cooperation with local Omani companies—and supported by an electronic payment gateway provided by a national firm—the platform supports researchers and decision-makers in planning, identifying collaboration opportunities, and enhancing local content.

For the first time, the forum also witnessed the inauguration of the “EJAAD Shield for Research and Innovation Leadership,” an award recognizing leading industrial and academic institutions for their contributions to the RDI ecosystem, strategic partnerships, and efforts to accelerate the transformation of knowledge into applied solutions with sustainable national impact.

The event featured a panel discussion on the role of the industrial sector in leading scientific research and innovation. In addition, the forum showcased a number of applied research and innovation projects that have reached advanced Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) through “Souq Al Furas” (Opportunity Market), a strategic platform linking scientific research outputs with the needs of Oman’s economic and industrial sectors.