The Foundation Project, funded by UK International Development from the UK government, aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s research and policy landscape by supporting four leading think tanks to enhance research quality, build institutional capacity, and nurture the next generation of policy experts. BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) is the convenor of this consortium, which includes the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), and the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI).
Through this funding, BIGD seeks to achieve two overarching goals:
- Strengthening organizational capacity – Enabling think tanks to produce high-quality, policy-relevant research and engage effectively with decision-makers.
- Strengthening the knowledge ecosystem – Expanding collaboration among research institutions, supporting young researchers, and ensuring that research findings contribute to policy and development outcomes.
BIGD’s Approach
BIGD works toward these goals through five key outcomes:
1. Organizational Capacity Strengthened
The funding enables BIGD to enhance its grant management system, ensuring better financial oversight, improved research administration, and effective project management. Strengthening organizational capacity allows for more efficient resource utilization, timely research delivery, and stronger governance structures across partner organizations.
2. Young Researchers’ Capacity Developed
Building a sustainable research ecosystem requires investing in the next generation of policy experts. BIGD aims to support young researchers through the Research Initiative on Development, Governance and Economy (RIDGE), providing them with funding, mentorship, and opportunities to conduct policy-relevant research. The Young Researchers’ Fellowship (YRF) Program further equips them with tailored training in research methodologies. Additionally, the Envisioneers platform enables young Bangladeshi researchers to connect, fostering peer learning and long-term engagement in policy research.
3. Demand-Driven Proactive Research Conducted
For research to drive meaningful change, it must address pressing policy questions and emerging challenges. BIGD develops policy-relevant research agendas based on rigorous formative studies, ensuring alignment with national and global priorities, such as the Rapid Research Response 2024 initiative.
4. Key Stakeholders Are Aware of the Latest Evidence
Ensuring that policymakers and practitioners have access to timely and relevant evidence is essential for informed decision-making. The project mainstreams policy engagement across research initiatives, bridging the gap between research findings and their application in policymaking. To extend outreach to wider audiences, BIGD facilitates structured stakeholder engagement activities and leads the Tong Alaap conversation series, creating a platform for discourse on critical policy issues.
5. Collective Voices of Think Tanks Strengthened
To enhance policy influence, think tanks must collaborate rather than work in silos. BIGD strengthens joint research initiatives, enabling think tanks to form a collective voice on critical governance and economic issues. This collaboration extends to shared learning events, joint research projects, and co-hosted podcast episodes, fostering a stronger and more coordinated policy research ecosystem.
