Report on the Educational Workshop on Digital Economics

College of Economics and Business Administration (CEBA)

Report on the Educational Workshop on Digital Economics

Date: 02.10.2024
Time: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Venue: Al Sharqiya University
Participants: 9 students from the Department of Business Studies

Nine students from Department of Business Studies participated in a workshop on Digital Economics, which was organized by Al Sharqiya University. The workshop aimed to introduce the participants to the National Digital Economy Program of Oman, overseen by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.

The workshop defined digital economics as economic activity generated through online communication. Key highlights included the increasing use of technology as a complete replacement for human labor in various sectors. One notable example discussed was the use of drones for package deliveries. The importance of digital economics for Oman's future was emphasized throughout.

Key Points from the Workshop:

1. OmanGPT: A government AI chatbot being developed to help citizens access information more easily.
2. Program 2021-2025: The national program’s progress was reviewed, with an overall performance success rate of 61%. The program has also achieved 71% success in facilitating services, which is measured by academic tracks.
3. Digital Services Portal: The National Unified Portal, set for a December 2024 release, will simplify access to digital services for citizens.
4. Performance Measurement: The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology measures the digital readiness of institutions annually. The most recent score for 2023 was 55%.
5. Ambassador Program: The Ministry’s initiative to promote digital economics awareness across the country involves 66 ambassadors. These ambassadors are divided into three levels – Initiator, Advancer, and Master. Their role is to raise awareness using training, electronic communication, and various events.

The workshop also discussed the Executive Program for E-Commerce, led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment Promotion. This program, launched in 2020, defines e-commerce as the buying and selling of products and services via the internet. The national plan comprises 30 initiatives and aims to make Oman a regional center for e-commerce. As of 2023, 14 initiatives have been completed. A key feature is the Oman Business Platform, which allows businesses to obtain licenses for online sales, ensuring credibility and reducing scams.

This workshop was an excellent opportunity for our students to gain insights into Oman's evolving digital economy and its impact on business and society.