ABSTRACT
Entrepreneurship capability is a relatively new topic that has piqued the interest of academics, practitioners, and policymakers because of its critical role in economic development in today’s dynamic environment. As a result, this research will examine the impact of the economic climate and research and development (R&D) transfers on the Sultanate of Oman’s entrepreneurial capacity. The investigation was motivated by the dearth of available literature and empirical evidence in Oman. The current study analyzed data from the Oman Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2020, compiled by national experts from various industries. This research followed a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with thirty-six professionals from nine industries who collectively reflect Oman’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The data was then analyzed and descriptively interpreted. The most significant findings indicate that factors affecting the economic climate and the function of R&D transfer affected entrepreneurial capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will enable the current study to provide evidence to aid policymakers in developing nations, notably Oman, in strengthening entrepreneurial capacity and identify areas for the empirical investigation to develop efficient ecosystems to support entrepreneurs. This study recommends that government and non-government stakeholders develop strategies for a post-COVID-19 entrepreneurial revival. This is likely one of the first qualitative assessments of the COVID-19 pandemic’s likely impact on entrepreneurship. As a result, the practical implications and solutions are examined in the context of modern economic, social, and environmental challenges. Additionally, it recommends relevant research areas and makes recommendations on how to empower entrepreneurs to overcome the aforementioned obstacles. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.