Development Research is broadening its horizons to really understand and evaluate the contemporary functioning of policies and how it is shaping our societies. This is evident with the recent spike in the development of research and researchers employed in the social sector in this field which has increased over 200% within the last decade.
Some trends in this field sustain for a while, while others are here to stay for the long term. The following are such examples to look out for.
1. Data Digitization
Gone are the days when states and policy agencies or NGOs would rely upon data collected on paper. For strengthening the deliverables and maintaining factual accuracy, preserving, analyzing and visualizing the data and monitoring it accurately in real-time, digitizing data is an utter need.
This trend shall surely stay for longer and indicates a switch from traditional data collection method to digital which allows researchers to tap into less thought of domains and study more at micro-level. SurveyCTO software is highly recommended tool for data digitization.
2. AI and Machine Learning:
Implementation of AI and ML in the field of social research would certainly automate statistical algorithms and fasten the data analysis process. It would also be able to integrate features advancing the existing user interface.
With AI-driven NLP (Natural Language Processing) techniques, data would be extracted from generic social media posts, reviews and other press sources which would enable qualitative data to be accessed way more easily than ever.
Researchers' focus would eventually incline more towards determining causal effects from their data and defining outcome goals and getting credible results.
3. Sustainable Development:
This set of 17 goals comprehensively covers the key global challenges, especially the goals that are tackling climate change, which are finally gaining the much required spotlight.
This marks a shift from conventional policy-making to a more considerate and sustainable development driven one.
It is thus certain that developmental researchers would have greater affinity for coming up with solutions and innovations complementing climate friendly and equitable growth.
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