This edition of dispatches from the hall of ideas emphasizes that Nepal’s development challenges can only be addressed by closing the gap between research and policymaking through evidence-based, practical solutions. Reflecting on two decades of research experience, our guest Dr. Nirmal Kumar Raut, Associate Professor, CEDECON, Tribhuvan University argues that while Nepal has made progress in areas such as post-earthquake infrastructure reconstruction, it has fallen short in restoring livelihoods and building long-term resilience compared to countries like Japan. Conversation highlights the importance of micro-level research, behavioral economics, and reliable data in designing effective public policies, while showing how findings on disaster recovery, migration, electric vehicle adoption, and health services often challenge conventional assumptions. Ultimately, it calls for stronger collaboration between researchers and government so that rigorous evidence informs policy decisions, enabling Nepal to build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future.
The text is an abridged and translated version of the June 2026 edition of Sambaad @ Samriddhi. Sambaad @ Samriddhi is a monthly discussion on contemporary issues. In this edition, Dr. Nirmal Kumar Raut, Associate Professor, CEDECON, Tribhuvan University, shares his insights on research and the gap between academia and policymaking. This discussion was moderated by Sujan Bhattarai, Researcher, Samriddhi Foundation.
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