Research for Development : A World Bank Perspective on Future Directions for Research

Development Economics Senior Vice Presidency

关键词: ACADEMIC RESEARCH;    ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE;    ACCOUNTABILITY;    ACCOUNTING;    AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT;   

DOI  :  10.1596/1813-9450-5437
RP-ID  :  WPS5437

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

This paper provides an overview of thehistory of development research at the World Bank and pointsto new future directions in both what we research and how weresearch. Six main messages emerge. First, research and datahave long been essential elements of the Bank's countryprograms and its contributions to global public goods, andthis will remain the case. Second, development thinking isin a state of flux and uncertainty; it is time to reconsiderboth the Bank's research priorities and how it doesresearch. Third, a more open and strategic approach toresearch is needed -- an approach that is firmly grounded inthe key knowledge gaps for development policy emerging fromthe experiences of developing countries, including thequestions that policy makers in those countries ask. Fourth,four major sets of problems merit high priority for ourfuture research: (i) securing economic transformation; (ii)broadening opportunities to participate in the benefits of,and contribute to, such transformation; (iii) dealing withemerging risks at all levels; and (iv) assessing the resultsof development efforts, including external assistance.Fifth, a new multi-polar world requires a new multi-polarapproach to knowledge; the Bank must learn from, andcollaborate with, developing-country researchers andinstitutes. Sixth, greater emphasis must be given toproducing the data and analytic tools for others to do theresearch themselves and providing open access to thosetools. And open data initiative needs to be extended to openknowledge. This will better inform development policydebates and allow for deeper engagement with the directstakeholders in the outcomes of those debates.