The National University of Science and Technology, represented by the Incubation Centre – Scientific Incubator Program, participated in the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) World Congress, held in Berlin from 2 to 5 July 2024. The National University was represented by Mr. Ibrahim bin Essa Al-Balushi, Head of the Incubation Centre, who delivered two workshops: “Innovative Strategies to Develop the Entrepreneurial Mindset of University Students” and “The Role of the National University in supporting entrepreneurship in Line with the national trends in Oman”. The workshops examined the entrepreneurship support system in Oman and the various initiatives undertaken to foster entrepreneurship and assist Omani youth in establishing innovation-based start-ups. The workshops also focused on the pivotal role of entrepreneurship and innovation in Oman’s Vision 2040, which aims to achieve economic diversification through a competitive and integrated economy based on innovation and entrepreneurship.
The workshops also discussed various national roles in supporting entrepreneurship, such as the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation in introducing a compulsory entrepreneurship course, supporting the establishment of scientific incubators in universities, the Oman Innovation Festival, and the Upgraded Programme.
The workshops additionally addressed the role of various national entities in fostering entrepreneurship. This included the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation’s introduction of a compulsory entrepreneurship course, supporting the establishment of scientific incubators within universities, the Oman Innovation Festival, and the Upgraded Programme. The SME Development Authority also plays a major role in establishing an integrated support system for entrepreneurs and those interested in the field, encompassing training, qualification, guidance, financial and administrative technical support, and other programs. The significance of the Omani Promising Startups Programme was also emphasized, as its function is to provide support for startups and guide innovative Omani youth in transforming their ideas and inventions into innovation-based startups.
This World Congress enabled the National University to share its extensive experience fostering entrepreneurship through the Incubation Centre, Entrepreneurship Club, and teaching entrepreneurship courses. Furthermore, the conference provided a valuable platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge with various international universities and institutions. This was an opportune occasion to discuss potential avenues for future collaboration in scientific research, the organization of joint pioneering programs, and the exchange of experiences and expertise. The National University is honored to represent the Sultanate of Oman at this conference, where it will showcase the integrated national efforts in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
Founded in 1955, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. The National University of Science and Technology has expressed its desire to establish a strategic collaboration with the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) to support entrepreneurship initiatives within Oman and host international events organized by the ICSB.