Our mission
Catalyzing policy change and solutions through research to improve the lives of people in the Asia and Pacific using knowledge, information and technology.
Enormous amounts of money are invested annually in digital technology. The potential of digital technology for economic and social progress is substantial though they aren’t, in themselves, necessarily the answer to higher incomes and a better life. Combined with other factors, digital technology provides a means to improve people’s capabilities and knowledge so that they may better their lives.
The Asia Pacific is seen as driving the global economy, yet within it lies South Asia, home to the world’s largest concentration of poor people. Some of the world’s highest tech industry performers belong to the region, as well as some of the lowest.
Digital access and use in many developing countries is held back by laws and regulations. Existing policy and regulatory arrangements actively hinder people from using such technology to live their lives. New, low-cost technologies are very often restricted or exploited through these laws and regulations. LIRNEasia is working to change this situation.
We want to see inclusive economic development in the Asia Pacific.
LIRNEasia is a pro-poor, pro-market think tank. What this means is that we are in favor of decentralized innovation – including through competitive markets – to enhance the lives of the poor. Everything we do has to have benefits for the poor.
We believe that the pathway is through better access to and use of knowledge, information and technology.
We emphasize Asia Pacific expertise but are not exclusive about it. We conduct in-depth, policy-relevant research on infrastructure industries including digital infrastructure. Our work extends to other sectors such as agriculture which can benefit the poorest citizens of the Asia Pacific. We document regional good practices. We then disseminate independent, actionable knowledge, to policy makers, regulators, service providers and the media. We help train policy intellectuals and, on request, provide short-term advisory assistance. We have, on many occasions, contributed towards the removal of barriers to access to digital technology for the people of Asia.