ITU Innovation Council discusses digital transformation and startup ecosystems in Muscat

Muscat, October 11 (KUNA) -- The fourth meeting of the Digital Innovation Council, under the Telecommunications Development Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), kicked off today in Muscat to discuss the future of digital transformation and expand cooperation horizons with international partners in developing innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

In his opening address, Dr. Ali Al-Shithani, Undersecretary of the Omani Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the commitment to exploring new opportunities for digital innovation and forging new partnerships that pave the way for projects of interest to all stakeholders in digital innovation goals, particularly in the field of the digital economy. He noted that the Sultanate has embarked on a journey to develop its own digital economy roadmap.

For his part, Omar Al-Ismaili, Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), stated that Oman’s hosting of this meeting is part of efforts to strengthen its presence in international dialogue on the future of innovation and digital transformation, showcase national experiences and initiatives, and broaden cooperation with international partners in developing innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, thereby supporting the digital economy objectives and the “Oman 2040” vision.

Al-Ismaili added that digital transformation in Oman represents one of the key pillars of the “Oman 2040” vision and of the TRA’s efforts to diversify the economy, highlighting the Authority’s continued investment in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, and the building of national capacities.

In a similar address, Dr. Kozma Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunications Development Bureau at the ITU, said that the Council’s meetings focus on bridging the digital divide and the digital skills gap, as well as accelerating digital transformation, with innovation being central to all these efforts.

Over three days, the Council meeting, which is part of the Alliance for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Development under the ITU’s Telecommunications Development Bureau, will bring together 32 government and regulatory leaders, experts, company CEOs, and representatives from academic institutions and organizations. The agenda includes discussing the strategic directions of the Alliance for the coming period, evaluating progress in its initiatives and programs, and reviewing the outcomes of the ITU’s acceleration centers, the Expert Network outputs, and strategic foresight studies.

The meeting’s program features panel discussions and specialized working groups to examine innovation and entrepreneurship priorities and the Alliance’s future programs, alongside field visits to observe national experiences in the telecommunications and digital technology sectors, and a parallel exhibition featuring Omani companies specializing in telecommunications and information technology.

The meeting sessions will also address ways to develop flexible and experimental regulatory environments that keep pace with rapid technological developments, support the growth of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enable emerging technologies and open technological innovation, develop digital skills and capacities, and strengthen public-private partnerships. (End) M.J.B. / N.S.A.