Global Talent Competitiveness Index – KPI Status Overview
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Baseline | 43.93 (rank 56/119, 2017) |
| Current | 46.5 (rank 59/134) |
| Target 2030 | >55.57 (top 30) |
| Target 2040 | >55.57 (top 30) |
| Status | On Track |
Trajectory Analysis
The GTCI score has improved from 43.93 to 46.5, although the rank has slipped slightly from 56th to 59th as the sample expanded from 119 to 134 countries. Closing the gap to 55.57 requires accelerating reforms in talent attraction through visa flexibility, talent growth through lifelong learning, and talent retention through career pathways for nationals. The 9-point gap implies annual improvement of roughly 1.8 points, which is ambitious but achievable with coordinated policy action.
Risk Factors
GCC competitors, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are aggressively courting global talent with golden visas and innovation hubs. Oman’s relatively modest wage levels in the public sector may limit retention of high-skilled nationals. The brain drain to higher-paying Gulf markets is a persistent challenge.
Positive Signals
The new Investor Residency programme and simplified work-permit regime are improving Oman’s attractiveness. TVET reform is strengthening the grow pillar. R&D spending is rising from a low base. University-industry collaboration is improving through new technology-transfer frameworks.
Methodology Note
INSEAD and Portulans Institute Global Talent Competitiveness Index. Composite of six pillars: Enable, Attract, Grow, Retain, Vocational and Technical Skills, and Global Knowledge Skills.
This tracker is updated quarterly by the Oman Vision 2040 Research Unit. Data sources include NCSI, the Central Bank of Oman, the World Bank, and relevant international organisations. Methodological notes are provided for transparency; users should consult primary sources for the most current figures.