EJAAD and Ithraa collaborate on innovation

Business Tuesday 03/December/2019 17:22 PM
By: Times News Service
EJAAD and Ithraa collaborate on innovation

Muscat: With an eye on boosting and empowering Oman’s knowledge-based economy, management from Ithraa and Oman Energy R&D (EJAAD) signed a protocol agreement on Sunday at Ithraa’s head office in Shatti Al Qurum.
Launched in December 2017, EJAAD is a national initiative designed to connect industry, academia and government – bringing key elements of Oman’s innovation eco-system together to nurture research, know-how and innovation activities on renewable energy, energy efficiency, oil and gas, and water with Oman’s commercial needs.
The academic – business collaborations EJAAD brings about can result in important breakthroughs – products as well as services that can benefit Oman and the broader international community.
Commenting from the sidelines of Sunday’s signing, Azzan Al Busaidi, Ithraa’s CEO explained: “An important outcome of EJAAD’s work is the development of new Omani companies - companies that can attract investment into the sultanate and create sustainable quality jobs for our young people. On top of this, EJAAD maximizes in-country value by routing business research and development requests to local academics. This work is of significant value to Oman’s ambitious business community, work we want to support.”
Importantly too, EJAAD brings research to life, applying academic work to real-world challenges and turning theory into a commercial opportunity.
“In so doing EJAAD helps Oman’s industry diversify, reinforces our reputation as a future-focused nation in the international community, and boosts our global competitive edge - increasing interest in our products, services and exports as well as boosting business ties with existing and new trading partners,” explained Dr Abdullah Al Abri, director, EJAAD.
Concluding, Ithraa’s CEO pointed out: “Developing ties with EJAAD and Oman’s academic community has the potential to create meaningful change. Indeed, innovation in our business community is all about embracing new ways of thinking and working. And by working alongside EJAAD we can help nurture a culture of innovation and collaboration that will generate successful and sustainable new Omani industries led by outstanding business leadership. It’s a win-win for all.”
Founded in 1996, Ithraa is a government-run, ISO and Investor in People certified inward investment and export promotion agency. We provide a range of support services and information to help domestic and international investors set up in and export from Oman.