Productivity-Enhancing Research & Development: Public Spending and Institutions

The research titled "Productivity-Enhancing Research & Development: Public Spending and Institutions" explores the critical role of R&D in driving innovation and fostering economic growth. The study highlights the challenges faced by the Philippines in maximizing R&D potential, including low public and private investment, restrictive procurement policies, insufficient human capital, and a lack of cohesive vision for harnessing innovation. It emphasizes the need for actionable strategies, such as defining a focused innovation agenda, addressing systemic bottlenecks, and fostering a culture of efficient data sharing and collaboration among stakeholders. The study also underscores the importance of leveraging digitalization to streamline processes and enhance synergies across government, private sector, and research institutions, providing a roadmap to improve productivity through strategic public R&D investment.

Dr. Benjamin Radoc and Dr. Karl Robert Jandoc bring a wealth of expertise to the discussion on productivity-enhancing research and development. Dr. Radoc, a behavioral economist and Principal Researcher at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Research Academy, specializes in consumer behavior, financial decision-making, and competition policy, with a career spanning roles at the Philippine Competition Commission, Asian Development Bank, and commercial banks. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of East Anglia and has pursued advanced studies at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and the University of the Philippines. Dr. Jandoc, an Associate Professor and Research Director at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, focuses on theoretical and applied microeconomics, game theory, environmental and resource economics, and energy economics. A UP Scientist for 2023-2025, he earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and an M.A. in Economics from UPSE. Together, their combined expertise provides a deep understanding of R&D policy, innovation systems, and economic development.

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