Introduction
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is Singapore’s leading think tank, providing evidence-based research and policy analysis to support informed decision-making. With a focus on public policy research, engagement, and capacity building, IPS has played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s national policy landscape for the past 50 years.
Key Research Areas
IPS conducts research across a wide range of public policy areas, including:
- Economic Policy: Fiscal and monetary policies, labor market dynamics, productivity, and innovation
- Social Policy: Healthcare, education, social welfare, and family issues
- Political Policy: Governance, political institutions, and public participation
- Urban Policy: Housing, transportation, land use, and sustainability
- Foreign Policy: Regional and global affairs, security, and diplomacy
Evidence-Based Policymaking
IPS is committed to providing objective and rigorous research to inform policy decisions. Its researchers use a variety of methods, including:
- Economic modeling and forecasting
- Social surveys and qualitative research
- Case studies and comparative analysis
- Policy simulations and scenario planning
Engagement and Capacity Building
IPS actively engages with policymakers, civil society organizations, and the public to share its research findings and facilitate informed discussions on key policy issues. It also conducts capacity building programs for policymakers and researchers in Singapore and the region.
Impact and Recognition
IPS’s research and policy analysis have had a significant impact on Singapore’s national policymaking. Its findings have informed key decisions in areas such as:
- Economic growth and job creation
- Healthcare reforms
- Education system enhancements
- Housing policies
- Foreign relations and regional cooperation
IPS has also been recognized internationally for its high-quality research and its contributions to public policy. It has received numerous awards, including:
- Think Tank of the Year 2020 (Asia-Pacific) by the Global Go To Think Tank Index Report
- Top 100 Global Think Tanks 2023 by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program
New Ideas for New Applications
In an era of rapid technological change and global challenges, IPS is constantly exploring new ideas and applications for its research. One such concept is “Policy Technoloy,” a term coined by IPS to describe the use of technology to enhance policymaking.
Policy Technology involves leveraging tools such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and virtual reality to:
- Improve data collection and analysis
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement
- Enhance policy simulations and forecasting
- Create immersive experiences for policy discussions
Tables
Table 1: IPS Research Output (2022)
| Publication Type | Number |
|—|—|
| Research Papers | 85 |
| Policy Briefs | 50 |
| Book Chapters | 20 |
| Books | 10 |
| Conference Presentations | 50 |
Table 2: IPS Engagement Activities (2022)
| Activity Type | Number |
|—|—|
| Public Forums | 20 |
| Policy Dialogue Sessions | 15 |
| Research Workshops | 10 |
| Capacity Building Programs | 5 |
Table 3: IPS Research Impact on Policy (2019-2023)
| Policy Area | Number of Policies Influenced |
|—|—|
| Economic Policy | 15 |
| Social Policy | 10 |
| Political Policy | 5 |
| Urban Policy | 7 |
| Foreign Policy | 3 |
Table 4: IPS International Recognition
| Award | Year |
|—|—|
| Think Tank of the Year 2020 (Asia-Pacific) | 2020 |
| Top 100 Global Think Tanks 2023 | 2023 |
| Distinguished Think Tank Award | 2018 |
Conclusion
As Singapore navigates the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the Institute of Policy Studies will continue to play a vital role in informing policymaking and fostering informed discussions on key national issues. Through its rigorous research, engagement efforts, and capacity building initiatives, IPS will continue to be a trusted source of knowledge for policymakers, the public, and researchers alike.
FAQs
-
What is the primary focus of IPS’s research?
– Public policy research in Singapore, covering economics, social policy, political policy, urban policy, and foreign policy. -
How does IPS ensure the quality of its research?
– By employing a rigorous research methodology, including economic modeling, social surveys, case studies, policy simulations, and peer review. -
How does IPS engage with the public and policymakers?
– Through public forums, policy dialogue sessions, research workshops, and capacity building programs. -
What is Policy Technology?
– A concept coined by IPS to describe the use of technology to enhance policymaking, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and virtual reality. -
What are the benefits of IPS’s research and analysis?
– Informed decision-making, improved policy outcomes, and enhanced public discourse. -
How can I access IPS’s research?
– IPS’s publications are freely available on its website: https://www.ips.sg -
How can I stay updated on IPS’s latest research and activities?
– Follow IPS on social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) or subscribe to its newsletter. -
How can I collaborate with IPS?
– Contact IPS at [email protected] to explore research collaborations, policy dialogue sessions, or capacity building initiatives.