Introduction Conduct of policy research in Bangladesh remains ad hoc, uneven and sparse. While the major research institutes do undertake important research and often make "policy suggestions", these frequently are obvious, and ineffective. Even when important findings emerge, these remain unnoticed and ignored due to the lack of an effective dissemination mechanism. At the same time, the research community in Bangladesh has suffered severe capacity erosion as well as capacity dispersal. This has led to a situation where research institutes have failed to set an independent policy research agenda, and have basically been reduced to responding passively to donor-driven “policy reforms”. In addition there is little understanding or insights about the policy-making process in the country or the manner in which the policy agenda is set.
Given the above context, BIDS plans to set up a Policy Resource capability to build necessary capacity, conduct demand-driven policy analyses, create strong, organic links with policy makers and the media, and generally act as a resource for analysts, practitioners and policy makers interested in all aspects of development policy.
BIDS Capacity
There are 35 professional researchers in BIDS with most having a PhD in economics or social sciences, spread over five academic 'divisions', including General Economics, Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry and Physical Infrastructure, Human Resources, and Population Studies. The Centre will draw upon the expertise of staff from all the divisions as needed.
Despite BIDS' rich human resources, it is envisaged that there will be a need to bring in specific technical expertise from time to time to (a) build capacity, and (b) to address specific policy questions more rigorously.
Vision
To establish a high-quality resource center for policy makers, practitioners, analysts and development researchers.
Objectives
To provide a one stop service to policy makers
To conduct demand-driven policy research and analyses
Respond to demand through rapid desk reviews as well as basic research
To build policy research capacity
To network with other researchers, analysts and institutions
Use advanced communication strategies for dissemination
Involve policy makers in policy analysis in all stages of research
Focus specifically on policy processes to influence adoption and implementation
Benefits
Policy research will be responsive to actual policy needs
It will aid in promoting an independent, fully-owned policy reform agenda putting the government in the driving seat
It will bolster the negotiation position of policy makers, e.g. in WTO
It will provide a one-stop service to key policy makers requiring policy advice at short notice
It will promote public debate through an effective media policy including capacity building of development journalists
It will promote consolidation and development of policy research capacity both within BIDS as well as in the broader community
Sustainability
It would be essential, initially, to be able to attract donor financial support for this exciting initiative. Ultimately, however, the centre is expected to achieve self-sufficiency.
Building Bridges
With policy makers
With civil society and media
With other researchers
With donor-partners
With private sector
With other research institutes in Bangladesh and abroad
The key challenge would be to establish an independent, credible and professional centre while at the same time establishing strong, trusted links with all stakeholders. BIDS is well placed to meet this challenge as it enters its golden jubilee year in 2007.
Strategy
PRP will employ a unique and dynamic combination of policy-based research, strategic communications and targeted outreach to engage and educate the public and policy makers on development issues. It will undertake independent, high-quality research on development challenges, and will also strive to collaborate with research institutions and specialists. Policy research will address pivotal issues of development (a tentative list of issues is displayed separately).
Strategic Communications
One of the key functions of the Programme will be to ensure that its research products and policy recommendations reach policy makers, advocates, and the general public. It will develop strategic communications tools including policy briefs, issue briefs, and strategically-timed events that draw current and former policy makers, academics, analysts and advocates and members of the media together; and a website that features the experts, as well as the work and outreach activities of the Centre.
Targeted Outreach
To maximize its impact on policy-making and advocacy, the Centre will design programs, products and an outreach strategy tailored to each of its key target audiences: policy makers; private sector, non-governmental organizations , donors, development scholars from around the world; print, radio and television media outlets; and the general public. The Centre will be unique among research institutions in its active and sustained engagement with key stakeholders, and will be looking to expand its strategic partnerships with organizations that have complementary goals.
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