The development of marine biotechnology in Oman: Potential for capacity building through open innovation

Kawther I.A. Al-Belushi, Selina M. Stead, J. Grant Burgess

School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Newcastle, NE1 7RU UK.

Abstract

This study examines the current state of the art in the emerging and strategically important marine biotechnology sector in Oman, which has a long coastline, rich marine heritage and strong fishing industry. In a knowledge-based economy, the ability to innovate is a key factor for increasing organisational competitiveness and this may be achieved using open innovation. This is the use by firms of external knowledge, ideas and technology to innovate. In this study, the extent of open innovation in Omani marine bioindustry companies has been studied by examining data from the top sixteen companies ranked by number of employees. The results indicate that the extent of openness in these companies is higher towards market side activities. In addition, the use of open innovation to increase collaboration between companies, Universities and government research institutes needs to be significantly strengthened.

Keywords: Marine biotechnology sector; Open innovation; Oman; Innovation management; Marine bioindustry; Innovation rank.