Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, through the Oman Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, recently hosted a workshop focused on advancing the country’s technology foresight capabilities. The event, organised in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, convened various national bodies engaged in the digital economy, strategic foresight, and future planning sectors.

Held as part of the programs supporting the second phase of the National Digital Economy Programme, the workshop aimed to boost collaboration among government entities, facilitate the exchange of expertise on technological foresight, and identify emerging opportunities and challenges. These efforts are aligned with Oman’s ongoing commitment to establishing a robust and sustainable digital economy.

The workshop’s core objective was to develop and implement a comprehensive technology foresight system tailored to the Sultanate. Participating stakeholders were introduced to foresight concepts and methodologies, examined prominent emerging technological trends, and sought to pinpoint early-stage opportunities and obstacles. This approach is intended to inform policymaking, strategic investment, and innovation initiatives.

By incorporating foresight tools and methods, the workshop facilitated practical exercises designed to map out a strategic roadmap extending to the year 2040. Through these activities, participants analysed driving forces influencing the future landscape, assessed the possible impacts of technological shifts, and identified key milestones necessary to achieve national development ambitions.

These initiatives are part of Oman’s Vision 2040 framework, which aims to diversify the economy and foster a knowledge- and innovation-based growth model. Strengthening technological foresight is seen as a vital component for guiding informed decisions to realize these long-term objectives.