An innovative attempt of DISA in 2017 was to create a separate research department or institute. The Center for Research and Innovation (CRI) had begun its journey by enlisting several national and international research specialists in light of this new mission. DISA envisions the CRI as a national leader in research and knowledge and a center of excellence for social research. The MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) of the projects/programs will be guided by the research study conducted by the CRI.
The CRI will independently perform research and evaluation of the DISA-implemented programs, including its social enterprises and other community initiatives, particularly for adolescents and disadvantaged persons. By conducting socioeconomic research for DISA and other NGOs in Bangladesh, CRI will promote innovation. The design, implementation, and administration of all DISA programs will be guided by evidence-based research studies conducted by the CRI, and study results will be a crucial tool for managing programs. The CRI will serve as a knowledge hub with the following six key elements: 1) a data hub, 2) a research hub, 3) an innovation hub, 4) a news hub, 5) publishing, and 6) an internship.
