The Board selected five topics of study for the three year period of 2019-2021 based on “what is most important” and “what is most structural” as opposed to just focusing on what is most urgent, or what all give only short term, low level results. Because the attributes of a resilient society are inter-related, these five research topics, too, are treated in a non-linear fashion, showing the interconnectedness of the required policies, programs and processes needed to create a resilient society.
These topics are the result of concerns born out of responses to a set of interview questions answered by leaders of the local community. These leaders were selected because of their long term successes in the community or because they are emerging global shapers within the community who share concerns about the lack of resiliency within the local society.
Little did the creators know how important resilience would become in the years 2020-2021. The research topics require more deep dives and further development based on the fragility caused by the pandemic.
Governance
As small island nations develop their identity and shift toward self-governance, the focus is around the governance structures and governance practices that best empower small island nations to develop.
Economic growth, employment, private sector
As economies adjust to the vulnerabilities of a global economic system, the focus is toward what government policies are most likely to contribute to economic growth, full employment and a strong, sustainable private sector.
Education and Formation/Mindset
With the global lynchpin on resilient communities, the focus of this research is toward what are the most effective approaches to education and formation that lead to the development of resilient global citizens with a global mindset. This society recognizes that it is emerging from a society that has been challenged along ethnic, religious and linguistic lines.
Environmental Sustainability/Energy
As more and more countries seek to be environmentally resilient with sustainable economies, they strive to comply with the Paris Accord and the Climate Reality facts. This study focuses on the important features of an Energy policy and a Environmental Sustainability policy that contributes to this country’s sustainable development.
Integrity/Corruption
Globally, regionally and locally, the community is concerned with the costs of corruption in a society; therefore, the focus of this study are the causes of and policies and regulations to best mitigate it. The focus on best practice in integrity policy framework development is seen as the focus necessary to reduce corruption and create institutional structures that can support the creation of a more lawful society.