Hub to pool knowledge: Yala

Caption:  NRI's Director Dr Charles Yala (center) flanked by his deputy directors

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, March 20, 2016 (PNG)

THE National Research Institute plans to develop a Knowledge Hub at the institute in Port Moresby, will not only see physical development of infrastructure but will also take advantage of pooling the country’s knowledge base.

According to the institute’s Director Dr Charles Yala the knowledge hub would serve to create a one stop environment on a space to allow a self-contained research community to thrive for constant inquiry, to inform, and influence development issues in the country.

He added that the 30 year concept plan would transform the way the think-tank would approach with the assistance of various expertise all pooled in the various proposed infrastructure facilities.

Stating that the plan will take into consideration and sustainability of the organisation and its ability to service the country through its research products to best understand the real issues affecting the country.

“There are two main activities here. How to create it as a place where research is conducted where enquiring, informing, and influencing takes place.”

“We are thinking about creating office spaces that consultants, thought leaders, NGOs, private sector that are interested in the work we do come here spend time use the space and in the process contribute to the generation of knowledge that ultimately lead to improved living standards.”

“It will be a place where thought leaders, former ministers, former secretaries, as well as you from the media come spend time and generated ideas,” Dr Yala said.

With investments by the institution on its IT (Information Technology) infrastructure since 2014 with the help of the Australia Government- NRI has already started creating physical knowledge management location which comprises of a physical publication, communications, IT, database.

“In an academic environment you expect quiets spaces with doors locked, when in a think tank environment it is an interactive place.”

“All this that we are talking about is a culmination of the last 10 years. NRI 2004 backwards was very different compared to 2005 onwards. Under the leadership of Dr Thomas Webster and the Chairman Sir Henry Chow.”

“The institution shifted away from that academic oriented research into public policy oriented. What we are doing is basically building from the last 10 years of legacy. And the introduction of the director, chairman, and council has been such that it has been dynamic in creating this.”

“And Sir henry Chow being a businessman and business representative in the council brought business ideas creating this direction and influence along with Websters solid background as a former provincial administrator and so forth,” Yala said.

Financing the entire knowledge hub will cost K125 million to be acquired through entering public, private partnership arrangements.

“This year we will be making submission for next year’s budget and also looking at other avenues. First step is get the project team in place and concept and start the process. This year is more getting the concept clear.”