The University of Technology and Applied Sciences successfully hosted a forum to advance the culture of open data in Oman, aligning its initiatives with national visions for a sustainable, innovation-driven economy. By gathering experts from government and private sectors, the event underscored that data is now a strategic resource essential for digital transformation and evidence-based decision-making. This collective effort highlights the urgent need to integrate open data practices into institutional frameworks to foster long-term national development. A central outcome of the gathering was the launch of “Afaq,” an institutional repository designed to ensure open access to scholarly research. This platform significantly enhances the visibility and impact of academic work, demonstrating a practical commitment to open science principles. Such repositories are vital for creating a transparent research ecosystem where knowledge is freely shared, thereby accelerating innovation and allowing society to benefit more directly from scientific advancements. The forum’s conclusions emphasize strengthening institutional collaboration and building national capabilities in data analytics to support a knowledge-based economy. For the open data community, this event illustrates a growing institutional commitment to transparency and accessibility. It serves as a relevant model for how academic and governmental entities can work together to remove barriers to data usage, ultimately empowering researchers and policymakers to drive sustainable progress through shared information.
Source: timesofoman.comPublished on 2026-06-08