Research program development and goal hierarchies: An application to IRRI

Attention has been focused recently on improvements in research allocation to maintain productivity gains from research expenditure and undertake programs of greater social relevance. This paper addresses the latter objective in research project selection and proposes a framework for so doing. This framework makes use of a goal hierarchy and its applicability is shown by considering research thrusts at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). The set of goals used are those that apply to the Philippine agricultural sector.

Two main conclusions can be drawn. First, it appears both feasible and attractive to consider demand side factors in institute level selection of research programs, as well as in national research funding allocations. This can be facilitated by a systematic listing and ranking of goals in a familiar goal hierarchy. Secondly, one can meaningfully interpret IRRI research work and changes in research direction in the context of these goal hierarchies.