By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: An MoU signing ceremony was held at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) for the establishment of the Centre for Regional Development and Structural Change (CRDSC) at NUST Jinnah School of Public Policy & Leadership (JSPPL).
The Centre will serve as a leading platform dedicated to advancing evidence-based policy research, dialogue, and capacity building with a focus on regional economic development, connectivity, and policy innovation.
The CRDSC will also work towards developing international linkages with leading policy institutions, think tanks, and development agencies, particularly in China, Central Asia, and the Middle East, thereby nurturing cross-regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The MoU was signed by Pro-Rector Academics, NUST, Prof. Dr.l Osman Hasan, and representatives from Pakistan Regional Economic Forum (PREF), Mr. Haroon Sharif, Former Minister of State and Chairman, Board of Investment.
The establishment of CRDSC marks a significant step towards strengthening research-driven policy engagement and enhancing regional cooperation for sustainable economic development.
An advisory body will be constituted to guide the Centre’s strategic direction, comprising distinguished experts, representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, and independent voices to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and balanced oversight.
In a distinctive approach, CRDSC will integrate perspectives from civil society and include participation from the international private sector, setting it apart from traditional policy centres.
The Centre will also undertake targeted efforts to engage and harness the potential of the private sector. As part of its inaugural initiatives, CRDSC plans to launch a flagship dialogue series later this year in collaboration with globally renowned institutions, including Harvard University and Peking University.
By integrating global perspectives with Pakistan’s regional priorities, CRDSC aims to cultivate structured regional dialogue and contribute to forward-looking policy solutions for sustainable economic transformation.
