Research, innovation not expenditure but investment: Finance Minister
The BIRDI grants are a Finance Division initiative implemented with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to promote practical research and innovation aimed at addressing industry needs.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today (24 August) said Bangladesh needs to build an economy that competes through knowledge, innovation and the ingenuity of its people rather than relying solely on traditional sources of growth.
He made the remarks while handing over grant certificates to 12 projects under the Bangladesh Industry Research, Development and Innovation (BIRDI) initiative at a special event organised by the Finance Division today.
"Today is not merely a ceremony of handing over grant certificates. We are making a statement about the kind of economy Bangladesh intends to become: an economy that competes on knowledge, on innovation, and on the ingenuity of its own people," the finance minister said.
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He said the Finance Division considers research and development not as expenditure but as an investment in productivity, export diversification, green technology and high-skilled employment for young people.
"A bird takes flight not because the sky is easy, but because its wings are ready. Today, with these twelve projects, the BIRDI has taken flight — and we will make sure it soars," he said.
The BIRDI grants are a Finance Division initiative implemented with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to promote practical research and innovation aimed at addressing industry needs.
The Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) honoured researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs selected under its Bangladesh Industry Research Development and Innovation (BIRDI) initiative for their contributions to strengthening Bangladesh's industrial capacity.
The BIRDI initiative recognises innovative achievements and contributions that support industrial development, productivity and technological advancement, making it a flagship initiative to promote industry-oriented research and innovation in Bangladesh.
Finance Division Secretary and National Program Director of SICIP Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder said the grants have been designed to catalyse practical, industry-relevant solutions that can raise productivity, strengthen competitiveness and expand the country's skills base.
He said the initiative is aligned with SICIP's vision of "Illuminating Bangladesh through Skills".
ADB Bangladesh Resident Mission Country Director Qingfeng Zhang highlighted the development partner's continued partnership with the Bangladesh government in advancing the objectives of SICIP and supporting the country's broader development aspirations.
Additional Secretary and Executive Program Director of SICIP Mohammed Walid Hossain welcomed the guests and delivered the vote of thanks.
He expressed appreciation to the guests, grant recipients and participants for their contributions to making the event successful.
The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between industry and research institutions while encouraging innovation-driven solutions to improve industrial productivity and competitiveness.
