Research Themes

APSIRI treats social innovation not as an isolated experiment but as a systemic capacity — the ability of institutions, communities, and markets to generate, test, and scale solutions to shared social challenges.

This theme studies the conditions under which social innovation contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with particular attention to decent work, reduced inequality, and resilient institutions. Research outputs are designed to inform both policy frameworks and practical implementation.

Young people are among the most important agents of social change in the Asia-Pacific region. This theme investigates how education systems, incubation mechanisms, and policy environments can better support youth-led social ventures.

APSIRI develops research on youth leadership models and convenes programmes that connect emerging innovators with mentors, practitioners, and institutions. The aim is to translate youthful initiative into durable social impact.

Education is the foundation of every other form of social innovation. This theme studies pedagogical models, open knowledge systems, and lifelong learning frameworks that build capability across the life course.

APSIRI is particularly interested in how educational innovation can extend opportunity to underserved communities, and how learning can be linked to civic participation and sustainable livelihoods.

Digital transformation reshapes how public services are delivered, how communities organise, and how knowledge circulates. This theme examines the governance frameworks needed to ensure technology serves the public good.

APSIRI focuses on inclusive technology — approaches that account for accessibility, data ethics, and the needs of populations at risk of digital exclusion — and on strengthening the public-innovation capacity of governments and civil-society organisations.

Lasting social change is often rooted in place. This theme studies community-led development models, local revitalisation strategies, and the role of social enterprise in strengthening regional resilience.

APSIRI documents and analyses field practice across the Asia-Pacific region, drawing lessons that can be adapted — not simply copied — across different local contexts.

Innovation reaches scale only when supported by sound policy. This theme produces evidence-based analysis for governments, regional organisations, and development institutions, and convenes policy dialogue on social governance.

APSIRI works through its Research–Policy–Action mechanism to ensure that research findings translate into actionable recommendations and that field experience informs policy in turn.

Knowledge has impact only when it circulates. Through the Journal of Advances in Social Sciences and related platforms, APSIRI supports open-access publishing, peer review, and research ethics in the social sciences.

This theme also studies how academic knowledge can be made accessible to practitioners, policymakers, and the public, strengthening the connection between scholarship and social impact.

The Asia-Pacific region is diverse in development context yet bound by shared challenges. This theme builds cross-border knowledge networks that enable comparative research and mutual learning.

APSIRI aims to serve as a regional platform connecting research, policy, and practice — and welcomes collaboration with universities, research institutes, and civil-society organisations across the region and beyond.