Who we are
Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), established in December 2015 in Dhaka, as a society, is a private, non-profit and non-partisan research organisation registered with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms in Bangladesh.
The main sphere of RAPID activities is to engage in development research and advocacy with the objective of contributing to policy discourse and awareness building. The fundamental RAPID objective is to integrate research with policy so that any analytical work and evidence can meaningfully lead to practical actions and/or scrutinise developmental impact.
The RAPID perspective is a practical and goal-oriented one in which achieving better outcomes is the key decisive factor in undertaking research and analysis. RAPID has adopted a flexible approach in which it acts as a platform where experts/resource persons are pulled together to address problems at hand, utilising multidisciplinary approaches, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods of policy research. RAPID is also about promoting a deeper understanding of the Bangladesh economy, which is fast transforming. It is committed to undertaking and disseminating evidence-based, policy-oriented socio-economic research among public policymakers, development partners, entrepreneurs, and the academic community.
Mission and Vision Statement
Our mission is to drive impactful policy solutions through rigorous evidence-based research and advocacy. We are dedicated to fostering informed public discourse, raising stakeholder awareness, and advancing policies that promote sustainable development and social equity. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, we aim to bridge the gap between research and policy implementation, ensuring that decisions are grounded in credible data and serve the broader public interest. RAPID is committed to cultivating a dynamic culture of professional growth that engaged seasoned experts and nurtures emerging talents, promoting inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in our pursuit of sustainable and equitable development.
Vision Statement:
RAPID envisions a Bangladesh where evidence-based decision-making propels inclusive and sustainable development, transforming lives and communities. Our vision is to be a preeminent, well-recognised think tank that plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and influencing positive change. We aim to inspire a new generation of researchers, facilitate meaningful collaborations, and create a dynamic environment that fosters cutting-edge research, innovation and informed policymaking. RAPID aspires to be a centre of excellence, making a lasting impact on Bangladesh's socio-economic policy landscape.
Our objectives
- Respected Think Tank: Establish RAPID as a reputable and influential think tank by consistently producing high-impact policy research and stakeholder engagements.
- Empowering Young Researchers: Create a conducive environment for the development and empowerment of young researchers, offering mentorship, skill-building opportunities, and avenues for impactful contributions.
- Evidence-Based Research Leadership: Lead in generating and disseminating evidence-based research that informs and shapes policy discussions, driving sustainable solutions to complex challenges.
- Multifaceted Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage with policymakers, government entities, development partners, businesses, civil society, and academic institutions at all levels to contribute meaningfully to the policy discourse and decision-making process.
- Promoting a Robust Peer-Review Culture: Foster a robust peer-review culture within RAPID and the broader research community to ensure the credibility, transparency, and accountability of research outputs.
- Innovative Research Approaches: Pioneer innovative and experimental research methodologies, push the boundaries of knowledge and stay at the forefront of socio-economic research practices.
- Dynamic Advocacy Initiatives: Design and execute advocacy initiatives that address critical socio-economic issues, raise public awareness and advocate for policies that promote the well-being of the nation.
- Global Collaboration and Impact: Cultivate collaborations and partnerships with international organizations, think tanks and research institutions to amplify RAPID's impact and contribute to the broader development discourse.
Current areas of RAPID research include but not limited to the following:
- International trade, WTO agreements and globalisation
- Social protection and inclusive growth
- Womens’ Empowerment
- Poverty, inequality and labour market issues
- Domestic resource mobilisation and reforms in tax policy and tax administration
- Green growth
- Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA)
- Urbanisation and the nature of urban poverty and inequality
- Technological change and economic development
RAPID has established a solid track record of undertaking high quality research and consultancy assignments. Its work has featured experts of different background coming together providing insightful and comprehensive perspectives of the issues of interest. RAPID boasts its capacity of building excellent rapport with its clients in giving due consideration to their needs while helping them with solutions that they need to meet their programme objectives.
RAPID’s evidence-based and policy-oriented socio-economic research and advocacy have helped assess national social security strategies, urban poverty situations, working conditions of labour, amongst others. RAPID has worked with Members of the Parliament, senior policymakers, development partners, workers, entrepreneurs, and media to generate awareness, discuss possible solutions to existing problems, and help establish an accountability process. RAPID’s reaching-out and evidence-based policy solutions have attracted serious attention and we feel encouraged to make further contributions in the future.
Thematic areas
Inclusive Growth
Capacity Building
SDGs, Poverty, Social Protection and Human Development
Migration
Climate Change and Green Economy
Budget, Financial Accountability, and Transparency
Gender, Equity and Development
Demographic Governance
Trade and Globalisation