AKP Phnom Penh, March 27, 2026 -- Cambodia has taken another significant step toward strengthening its innovation ecosystem through the operationalisation of national research funding mechanisms.

Speaking at the opening of a technical workshop on national and regional funding mechanisms for research and development in Phnom Penh on Mar. 27, H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Research Foundation, said, “The establishment of the National Research Foundation as a trust is a historic milestone in strengthening the foundation of Cambodia’s innovation ecosystem. This progress reflects the Royal Government’s commitment to supporting research and development with transparency, sustainability, and effectiveness.”

The workshop, held as a side event of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Day 2026, brought together regional experts to share experiences on research funding mechanisms and the governance of national research systems.

The Minister noted that ASEAN member states are increasingly prioritising investment in research and development to generate new knowledge and enhance value-added products and services.

He also highlighted key challenges, including insufficient investment in R&D, limited alignment between research activities and national priorities, private sector needs and policymaking, limited research capacity in both public and private sectors, weak research infrastructure, and limited linkages between research institutions and enterprises.

Dr. Eng Netra, Executive Director of the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI), said CDRI has received three-year funding support from the Government of Canada to provide technical assistance to the National Research Foundation with the aim to strengthen the capacity of researchers and research institutions, enhance their ability to absorb research financing, and promote evidence-based policymaking in Cambodia.

The newly established National Research Fund will support both public and private research institutions, promote human capital development, and strengthen collaboration, contributing to Cambodia’s transition toward an innovation-driven economy.

AKP-MISTI