Understanding Global Measurement Standards: How New Awareness Efforts Impact Your Business Strategy
MUSCAT: In a significant move underscoring Oman’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and enhancing research quality, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in partnership with the Modern College of Business and Science, hosted the inaugural National Forum for Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journals from October 29 to 30.
This two-day event provided a national platform for academics, researchers, and publishing professionals to exchange insights on the latest approaches to managing and developing peer-reviewed journals. The forum aimed to underscore the critical role these journals play in upholding academic integrity, elevating research standards, and assisting universities in improving their global rankings.
Central to the forum was the presentation of leading national peer-reviewed journals across various academic disciplines, highlighting their significant contributions to advancing scientific research within Oman. The event also emphasized the importance of global metrics such as impact factors and citation indicators, and the necessity of indexing Omani journals in internationally recognized databases like Scopus and Web of Science.
Dr. Issa bin Salem Al Shabibi, from the Directorate-General of Capacity Building at the Ministry and moderator of one panel discussion, outlined his focus on the role of experts in fostering high-quality scientific journals. “This session will examine how experts and researchers are essential to building a robust scientific publishing ecosystem that can compete regionally and internationally,” he stated. He also stressed that prioritizing quality and transparency in academic publishing is crucial for enhancing the credibility and global reputation of Omani journals.
Dr. Arabi Madbouli lauded the forum as a pivotal advancement in Oman’s research development. “Oman’s research sector has made remarkable strides in recent years,” he noted, “yet there remains a growing need for more Omani peer-reviewed journals to support the research domains critical to the country’s scientific and economic progress.” Dr. Madbouli highlighted that strengthening national journals will have a direct positive impact on both the economy and science, aligning closely with the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s launch of the National Forum for Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journals signals a strategic investment in research quality and academic integrity, crucial for advancing a knowledge-based economy under Oman Vision 2040. For businesses, this growth in credible research ecosystems opens opportunities in R&D partnerships and innovation-driven sectors, while posing a risk for those slow to adapt to data-driven decision-making. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should now consider leveraging emerging scientific insights and supporting academic collaborations to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
