Oman needs to leverage research and development into practice: Raoul Restucci

Muscat: Oman has considerable opportunities to leverage research and development (R&D) into practical research in sectors where it possesses a competitive advantage, according to Raoul Restucci, managing director, Petroleum Development of Oman (PDO).
Speaking at the Oman Energy Industry-Academia R&D Summit 2016, Restucci pointed out the R&D potential for sectors, such as energy, tourism and logistics.
“We need to leverage R&D into practice in sectors we have competitive advantage in and where it can make a real difference in employment. We have to concentrate on sectors where research can be carried out in the field itself instead of just in labs.”
Restucci also mentioned that different organisations haven’t been able to integrate yet in the way most had planned, and growth in R&D certainly hasn’t been up to the mark, but the sector holds great promise.
He also expressed the opportunities available for R&D in sectors that will be a challenge in the future.
“We have been doing great work in diversifying the economy, but that needs energy, which is a major challenge. Another important issue is water supply, which would be the biggest challenge for the next 20 years. These are sectors where R&D can develop.”
The panel discussions in the summit highlighted Oman’s R&D ecosystem, the challenges it faces currently, and solutions. Dr. Hilal Al Hinai, secretary general at The Research Council highlighted the importance Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs) to develop the R&D centre.
Public-Private-Partnerships
“We need to develop an efficient system of communication between government, industry and academia. Public-Private-Partnerships are very important as they link the industry with academia, facilitated by the government,” he said.
He also noted that as oil and gas will be the spine of the economy for many years to come, therefore the most appropriate vehicle for R&D is Enhanced Oil Recovery, adding that Oman needs to start with that as an R&D base and build around it.
Dr. Rahma Al Maharouqi, deputy vice chancellor of Post-Graduate Studies and Research at the Sultan Qaboos University and one of the panellists, explained the proactive approach adopted by SQU this year in reaching out to the industry and creating awareness about R&D facilities available at the university and its readiness to take up industry projects.
However, an audience poll suggested a public perception that academia is not structured for applied research, with 39 per cent of the population voting for the option, while the remaining 61 per cent were divided among four other options.
According to Restucci, industries in the past have been classified about most information, but are now actively sharing the knowledge.
He said employment must be the driving factor to accelerate R&D growth in Oman. Steve Kelly, president and general manager at Occidental Oman also echoed these views, saying that research must be focused in areas that have a local supply chain to boost employment and new opportunities.