Governance of social science research: Insights from Southeast Asia

Abstract

This paper focuses on examining the governance mechanisms of social science research in Singapore and Vietnam, as selected cases in Southeast Asia. Documentary research, underpinned by a five-step analytical framework, was used to obtain relevant data and draw a comparative analysis. Both countries use similar mechanisms to manage and develop social science research. They integrate research into career policies and practices, establish national bodies to oversee the peer-review system, restrict access to and sharing of data, and use competitive funding in Singapore and mainly block funding in Vietnam. Some governance mechanisms are observed to have unintended consequences, including downplaying the role of domestic research and escalating precarious, individualistic and less creative working environment. The paper advances our understanding of the governance mechanisms of social science research in Singapore and Vietnam, which is crucial to inform the debate on the evolution of research systems in low- and middle-income countries.