The National Research Agenda for the Kingdom of Cambodia

The National Research Agenda for the Kingdom of Cambodia aims to guide the country’s development into a knowledge-based society by leveraging research and development. The agenda is designed to tackle major challenges facing Cambodia, such as the global COVID-19 pandemic, environmental degradation, and the need for economic diversification while capitalising on opportunities brought by increased trade liberalisation and scientific advancements.

The agenda lays out a structured plan for incentivising and promoting research and development across eight strategic research missions. These missions focus on key sectors such as local food production, energy supply, education quality, and digital health services. The goal is to enhance Cambodia’s socioeconomic development through robust, inclusive, and sustainable advancements.

To achieve these objectives, the agenda outlines the need to strengthen and standardise the national research ecosystem and align it with Cambodia’s development priorities. This involves building collaborations across various stakeholders, including government ministries, research institutions, the private sector, and international partners.

Each mission has specific targets and is supported by detailed plans to develop the necessary infrastructure, human resources, and institutional frameworks. The agenda emphasises the importance of investing in research, improving coordination among stakeholders, and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and technological advancement.

This comprehensive plan is backed by the Cambodian government and endorsed by key national councils and ministries, underscoring its significance and the commitment at the national level to transform Cambodia into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 and a high-income economy by 2050.