Policy Action Research Fund launched

The Policy Action Research Fund (PARU)” is to be launched in Hanoi on 10th December 2009 to support action-orientated research. The launch will take place in Army Hotel, 33c Pham Ngu Lao, Hanoi, commencing at 8.30am.

The initiative aims to catalyse policy change that will help the poor to participate more in markets in Vietnam.
 
PARU will fund research, on a competitive bidding basis, that is intended to lead to the adoption of market-oriented and pro-poor policy change in Vietnam. Grants will be awarded to research institutes and credible stakeholder groupings to support relevant research in three key thematic areas: i) value chain development; ii) public – private partnership in infrastructure services; and iii) labour markets.

It is expected that at least 10 research studies will be undertaken by the completion of the project in 2011. The research studies will be selected on a competitive bidding basis and the maximum grant size will be around US$50,000 per research study.

Studies are expected to be concluded within 9 months of commencement and expected to see researchers take a more involved role with other key stakeholders - in the private sector, government, or through business associations - in planning and implementing tangible change to benefit the poor.