Cambodia Establishes National Research Network for Evidence-Based Policymaking

PHNOM PENH, July 23, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has launched a national research network bringing together 31 government agencies, universities, institutes and private‑sector organizations to strengthen evidence‑based policymaking and bolster resilience against global challenges, officials said Thursday. At the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth described the Cambodia Research Network (CRN) as a major step in mobilizing intellectual resources to support development, safeguard sovereignty and accelerate reforms in governance, the economy and human capital. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter in bringing together the knowledge, expertise and experience of Cambodian researchers at home and abroad,” he said. Vissoth noted that geopolitical competition, rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence, climate change and emerging security threats make rigorous research essential for effective policymaking. He said the CRN will serve as a national platform to connect institutions, promote collaboration, strengthen human capital and create a shared research database to support government decisions. The network will initially focus on five priorities: geopolitics and strategic foresight, economic development and SME competitiveness, social and cultural studies, digital technology and AI, and governance and public administration reform. Vissoth emphasized that research must be policy‑oriented, scientifically rigorous and independent, adding that the government respects academic freedom and expects findings to provide practical recommendations. He pledged continued support from the Office of the Council of Ministers and expressed confidence that the 31 founding institutions would become an intellectual pillar for Cambodia’s Vision 2050 development goals.