The Data and Innovation Research Program focuses on enhancing data collection for research practices, particularly for policymakers and researchers in Bangladesh. It combines observation data, survey data and innovative methods to conduct social science research. By leveraging emerging technologies like machine learning and supervised learning, the program aims to improve data accessibility, generate actionable insights, and promote data-driven decision-making in development planning and policy. Through these initiatives, we aim to build innovative data products like dashboards and analyses that help in creating equitable policies.
A datahub has been created for easy access to data for conducting research which can be accessed here: https://datahubbd.org/
There are three ongoing studies under the research program:
1. The IGC-BIGD Datahub
This study, conducted in partnership with the International Growth Centre (IGC), provides a microdata directory, spatial data repository, and district dashboard for the IGC-BIGD datahub.
2. Influencing Social Welfare Allocation through Data: A Randomized Control Trial
This study, conducted in partnership with IGC, measures the impact of a dashboard depicting the data of needs and allocations of social welfare programs at the upazila levels, created under the joint initiative of BIGD and IGC.
3. Capacity Building of Factories in Sustainability and Climate Action
This study, conducted in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, aims to address the growing need for energy sustainability in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector. The objective of the study is to assess the energy usage patterns across Bangladesh’s textile and garment factories and provide strategic recommendations to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy adoption.
