Cambodian Development Resource Institute (CDRI) 2021-2024

The following section provides information on results achieved under the five goals. As for Goal 1, the summary of activities and achievements is presented by the five centres (agriculture, economics, education, environment and governance). The examples for Goals 2 to 5 is summarised and provides a snapshot of what has been achieved. Goal 1: RESEARCH OUTPUT - Enhance the quality of policy-relevant development research and generate knowledge to influence policy reform and change CDRI managed 34 research projects in 2023, some of which were cross-centre collaborations and cross-regional partnerships. 53 academic reports were released to the public as working papers, policy briefs, quarterly CDR articles, international publications, edited books and research reports. Researchers and a management team engaged in 81 policy forums in CDRI´s own organised events and partners events as presenters and panel speakers. 13 advanced training courses were organised by CDRI and their partner institutions from research skills to analysis and report writing. Examples of started, ongoing and/or finalized research by Center: Centre for Policy Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CPARD) Evidence-based Policy Study: Supply and Demand Solutions for Accessibility, and Affordable Childcare Services in Cambodia examined the availability and demand of childcare services and how they affect the employment rates. This study was concluded with a consultation workshop and a policy dialogue, a research report and a policy brief that were published on the CDRI website and is available in hard copy. Findings from the study highlight the importance of childcare services and played a critical role in the governments decision to establish a committee tasked with developing a sub-decree on childcare. This study was done following the Impact Evaluation Study on Community-Based Childcare (CBCC) for Garment Factory Workers that analysed the correlation between the supply and demand for day-care centres and employment rates in Cambodia, sought to establish 10-15 high-quality, self-sufficient childcare centres in Kampong Speu province for garment factory workers and proposed a model for similar initiatives across the country. Centre for Development Economics and Trade (CDET) In partnership with the Ministry of Environment and supported by The United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) Policy Scoping Study Cambodia was conducted by CDET and CNRE team to assist Cambodia's transition to an inclusive green economy by identifying critical policy areas and necessary partnerships. This new study included desk research, KIIs and focus group discussions with stakeholders from the government, international organisations, industry associations, and development partners working in Cambodia's green economy sector. The findings were published by PAGE in a policy brief titled Five Priorities for a Green and Inclusive Economic Transformation in Cambodia. These findings are valuable inputs to ensure PAGEs continuation and alignment of its support with existing environmental initiatives in Cambodia. Following the completion of phase 2 in 2022, the six-year project Contribution of Vocational Skills Development to Inclusive Industrial Growth and Transformation: An Analysis of Critical Factors in Cambodia was concluded with a regional journal article in the Online Journal for Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Asia and two briefs on (i) Attitudes Towards Vocational Skills Development in Cambodias Manufacturing Industries and (ii) Connecting the Dots in TVET in Cambodia: Stakeholders and Their Collaboration. A working paper based on the Cambodian case study is also under development, expected for public release in late 2024. Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) In response to the need for a resilient education system post-COVID-19, CERI implemented another two-year programme, entitled Thnal Udom Chomnes: Reimagine Future Education of Cambodia. It is a continuation of the previous project, Thnal Udom Chomnes: Promoting Cambodian Higher Education Innovation. The CDRI team published two working papers, one study report, one policy brief and two infographics in 2023. CDRI actively disseminated these findings through workshops, forums, and seminars to create a space for policymakers, policy practitioners, and academia to exchange ideas and suggestions on how to address education issues in the country. In addition CDRI also provided several professional development opportunities for partners and junior researchers throughout the programme. To foster institutional linkages within the region, a researcher exchange to the Centre for the Study of Higher Education, the University of Melbourne, and exposure visits to research institutes and universities in Indonesia and Vietnam were undertaken, further enhancing collaboration on future research opportunities. Overall, this programme has generated numerous empirical data for policy development in Cambodia. Mainly, it is done through knowledge generation, translation, and dissemination. One observable impact can be seen through the collaboration model between CDRI and MoEYS Department of Policy. CDRI jointly conducted a research study and co-hosted the annual education policy forum since 2021. This collaboration model significantly impacts policy development, with the government taking ownership of the produced knowledge that is based on empirical evidence and comprehensive and inclusive dialogues. Centre for Natural Resources and Environment (CNRE) In collaboration with the UN Environment Program and Climate Analytics, CNRE submitted a research proposal on Towards Zero Carbon Asia Transformational Shift from Fossil Fuel-Based to Sustainable Development Pathways to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety of Germany for funding support. It will examine how to achieve a transformational shift away from current and planned expansions of fossil fuels, by co-developing evidence-based climate-resilient pathways of actionable policy interventions and investments in renewable energy, compatible with the Paris Agreement whilst achieving sustainable development goals. The result is expected by October 2024. Goal 2: POLICY ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT - Deepen policy engagement, communication and impact Throughout the year, CDRIs senior researchers actively participated in high-level policy discussions at national and international events, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on critical development issues. CDRI researchers also participated in regional and international conferences, workshops, and dialogues and presented CDRI´s works across Asia and the USA, as detailed in Annex A of the annual narrative report. These engagements provided CDRI with opportunities to share their research findings, engage with diverse audiences, and with the ambition to influence policies. Goal 3: PARTNERSHIPS - Broaden partnerships for high-quality national and regional development policy research and impact Partnership is one of the fundamental factors behind the institutes strength and success. CDRI actively maintains and establishes research partnerships and collaborations to expand and deepen national and regional research collaboration and engagement across multiple stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, civil society and think tanks in and outside the country. By December 2023, CDRI had 12 active MoUs and has collaborated with 100 entities composed of government institutions and ministries, local and international organizations, local and international universities, think tanks, civil societies, and the private sector. CDRI is also a member of ten leading research networks and consortiums. Goal 4: ENHANCING RESEARCH CAPACITY - Strengthen the professional capacity development of CDRI staff and CDRIs national and regional research partners. CDRI continuously encourage their staff to participate in capacity building initiatives and training. In 2023 CDRI organized a training on disability inclusion development with their partner institution to deepen the understanding of disability and strengthen disability inclusion in projects and the organization. CDRI hosted a training on benefit-cost analysis on the agricultural value chain and organized a training workshop on qualitative research proposal writing aiming to improve the research skills of faculty members and young researchers. Training mentoring programme were provided on applied research methods to help junior researchers enhance their abilities in designing quantitative questions, data analysis and using statistical software. To broaden the research networks and partnerships, CDRI co-organized a strategic priorities international and regional networks and partnerships workshop with a senior regional director of governance from TAF Hanoi. 12 monthly research seminars were also organized to offer a chance for junior researchers and graduate students to present their research and seek feedback and knowledge from participants coming from various academic backgrounds. Goal 5: INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING - Strengthen institutional and financial resilience and sustainability. Various activities have been undertaken throughout the year to strengthen the organisations institutional capacity. Measures has targeted human resources management, external relations, ICT, library- and financial management. In 2024 CDRI launched its new strategic plan. Its a plan that is adapted to the new reality of a narrower development partner landscape for funding opportunities. CDRI is reforming itself and is exploring different avenues to diverse their partnerships and funding. Sida has reviewed the new strategic plan and assess CDRI new direction to be relevant, strategically sound, and very timely. The new strategy will strengthen CDRIs comparative advantage to deepen its core capacity and authority to deliver strongly on quality research, policy advice, and regional partnership for long-term sustainability and resilience of the institute.

The intervention as it is presented in CDRI's proposal is based on five fundamental principles that are expected to contribute to Sidas priorities in Cambodia - human rights, democracy, gender equality and rule of law: The promotion of democratic governance through a rights-based approach to development. A 'demand-driven' approach to development programmes and projects with clear local ownership. Long-term institution-building and transparent public engagement. The integration of gender and vulnerable population and resilience as a cross-cutting issue; and A focus on local human resource capacity development. The overall theme for CDRIs research focus for this proposed period will be the on-going dynamics of change affected by the global pandemic and its aftermath impact. The main objectives for CDRI activities during this proposed period to achieve this are: a) Research: To generate high quality development policy research by the 5 research centers related to Agriculture, Economy, Education, Environment, Governance, and crosscutting themes on democracy, poverty, climate change, digital technology and gender equality. b) Outreach Communication: To publish and disseminate research knowledge in key local policy forums and in leading regional and international publications c) Partnership: To strengthen national, regional and international collaborative research, partnerships and networks. d) Capacity Development: To contribute to Cambodias development research capacity, evidence-based policy making culture, and informed participation of ordinary Cambodian women and men. e) Institutional Strengthening: To build a more sustainable future for CDRI as Cambodias leading development policy research institution through institutional strengthening, systematic implementation of capacity development and research career, and effective resource mobilisation.