This study investigates the role of strategic planning for scientific research to achieve comparative advantage at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), from the points of view of deans, assistant deans, heads of departments (HOD), assistants to heads of departments, and Research Center Directors (RCD). It uses Porter's Five Forces Framework. The study followed descriptive research methodology and used a survey to collect data from (91) leaders at SQU. Results show that the overall role of strategic planning for scientific research to achieve comparative advantage at SQU was at the moderate level, according to the research sample. Results also indicate significant differences between the study sample, based on the nature of their jobs in the fifth force of Porter, the bargaining power of suppliers/ researchers, favouring College Deans and RCDs. It also indicates significant differences between the study sample, based on gender favouring females in the second force, threat of new entrants/universities. Moreover, it indicates significant differences between the study sample, based on types of colleges' specialization, in the first force, threat of substitute research services favouring scientific colleges and in the third force, intra-indusaty rivalry favouring humanities. The study provides some recommendations for SQU to improve its competitive advantage in research, most important of which are: (1) support the budget allocated for science research and increase it to support SQU to execute its scientific research plans and programs, (2) activate collaborative research partnership between SQU and research institutions nationally and internationally, and (3) link SQU strategic plan for research with Oman future vision 2040.