Dr. Mohammed Ali Albakri was recently invited to contribute at a prestigious conference in Oman on Empowering Oman to Become a Competitive Digital Economy. The conference provided a forum for thought leaders and innovators to discuss strategies for driving digital transformation across the country. The “2nd International Conference on Strategies for Empowering Oman as a Competitive Economy”, hosted by Arab Open University Oman, provided an excellent opportunity for researchers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to share best practices and research findings. This conference aimed to promote collaboration, publishing opportunities, and discussions about current and future trends relevant to Oman’s 2040 vision. By bringing together experts from various backgrounds, the conference hoped to improve understanding of Oman’s economic landscape and highlight opportunities for growth and development, particularly in areas such as sustainable development, digital acceleration, and innovation.
Dr. Albakri’s paper explores the complexities of the digital transformation (DT) paradox in Omani higher education (HE), examining both the opportunities and challenges posed by global educational shifts and economic reforms. It divides these factors into four categories: technical, socio-technical, socio-cultural, and socio-economic, highlighting barriers like infrastructure gaps and cultural resistance, as well as opportunities like global competitiveness and inclusive education. The paper proposes a strategic roadmap that advocates for investments in technical infrastructure, an innovation culture, comprehensive training, and stakeholder collaboration. These findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers, institutions, and professionals navigating the digital landscape, preparing Omani higher education for success in a digitally enriched, globally competitive future.
Dr. Albakri’s presentation was widely acclaimed, and he was delighted to receive the conference’s prestigious Best Presenter and Paper award. This recognition came as a pleasant surprise to Dr. Albakri, highlighting the importance of his work and the value it adds to the field of digital transformation. Dr. Albakri was filled with pride as he reflected on his dedication, expertise, and contribution to shaping Oman’s digital future.
Overall, Dr. Albakri was honoured to receive an invitation to the conference to present and receive two individual awards for his contributions. Through his academic and practical roles, Dr. Albakri hopes to have a greater positive impact on society. Dr. Albakri is looking forward to continuing to push the boundaries of his research and practice to make more meaningful contributions.