DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 15, 2025

PIOJ Challenges Researchers to Address Legislative Changes and Global Developments

Kingston, April 16, 2025

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is urging researchers to consider both local and international socio-economic disruptions in their studies, as these factors significantly impact Jamaica’s development efforts. This call comes as the May 15, 2025 deadline for abstract submissions for the 2026 Growth Inducement Programme (GIP) Research Report approaches.

According to Laura Levy, Director of the Growth Inducement Programme, researchers must address contemporary challenges, taking into account, key legislative reforms and global trends.

“At this time, we are hoping to see the research taking on the current challenges, so it is important that key legislative changes and international developments are considered in the abstracts. Policymakers who will consider the reports, need to understand the socio-economic trends among us,” Levy stated.

“To highlight one area, in artificial intelligence, we need to adapt but there is also now the need to focus on how citizens can experience benefits to the quality of their lives within the emerging and present AI environment.”

Levy underscored the impact of past reports on national discourse, citing two influential articles from the 2023 edition.

“The article, Economic Diversification through E-Commerce by Kellie-Ann Murray, put a spotlight on the revenues that are being generated by social media influencers across platforms. This was an area that was previously not captured and provides ongoing legitimacy and consideration for persons who are monetised on social media.”

“Another from the same report is the article, Assessment of Government’s Divestment Process by Omar Chedda, an area that has relevance on the transparency of the handling of assets held by the government for the people.”

Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming publication, Keith Collister, Director of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and Chair of its Economic & Taxation Committee, stressed the importance of the GIP Research Report in shaping Jamaica’s economic strategy.

“The Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) Call for Papers for its triennial Research Report, aimed at supporting Jamaica’s economic growth, has never been more critical. Following on the Growth Strategy introduced in 2011 under the leadership of Dr Gladstone Hutchinson, this initiative is designed to tackle the pressing issue of inclusive growth today.”

He highlighted the report’s thematic focus, which seeks to address trust-building measures vital for national advancement.

“The topics identified for the next report are not only timely but essential to Jamaica’s development. These are crime reduction, e-commerce, challenges of an ageing population, social protection frameworks, waste-to-energy innovations, bureaucratic reforms, and strategies to overcome the implementation deficit identified by the growth strategy consultant, Professor Donald Harris. Perhaps most pressing of all, are the implications for Jamaica of shifting global alliances on trade and investment,” Collister stated.

He expressed hope that the report would have the full support of all Jamaicans, particularly the private sector.

The GIP Research Report has been cited in academic publications, reinforcing its status as a platform for scholarly visibility on sustainable economic development.

Researcher Ruth Chisholm, emphasised its role in bridging research with policy development.  “The paper produced by the FHI 360 team for the USAID Advance Programme was selected for/published in the GIP’s Research Report 2019, significantly contributed to the dissemination of labour market sector information to inform select technical tertiary academic programmes, particularly select associate degree programmes.

“I encourage researchers to participate in the ongoing Call for Papers, as it offers a great opportunity to share information of national importance. The GIP Research Report is a tool to inform new programmes and strengthen initiatives that can help local organisations to have greater impact among the communities they serve.”

The 2026 GIP Research Report will be published following the current Call for Papers, with submission guidelines available via the PIOJ’s website and social media platforms.

END

Contact:  info@pioj.gov.jm