THE ROLE AND DETERMINANTS OF PARTICIPATION IN INDUSTRY-SCIENCE LINKS IN AN OIL-BASED ECONOMY: THE CASE OF OMAN

The main aim of this research is to explore the determinants of successful industry-science links (ISL), involving cooperation between firms and universities, in order to assist the development of a diversified knowledge-based economy in Oman. The researcher used the development of these links in the advanced countries for the necessary benchmarking. Interactions between industry and science institutions aim at the exchange of knowledge and technology and, when successful, promote the enhanced innovativeness and competitiveness of the ISL partners. At present, not much universities and colleges in Oman sees the importance of establishing links between them and the industries and so based in this premise, the researcher will look into the benefits of ISL and how this can possibly lead to establishing a knowledge-based economy in Oman. Further, the researcher will explain the components that relates to ISL and why it is necessary for Higher Education Institutions in Oman to venture into such collaborative efforts