The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) is inviting research proposals for a study on 'Improving E-Commerce Enabling/Supporting Connectivity in Asia'.

[Background]

Digital technology has been defining transformational force of human society; and digital innovations are engines of great prosperity. Supported by the new tools and media, information becomes a new, highly-value production factor. This is going to be a key feature of the future knowledge-based economy and society. Moreover, disruptive innovation, which distinguishes from traditional innovation pattern, provides new opportunity for developing countries to realize leaping development.

Connectivity is vital for countries' participation in GVCs. It consists of not only physical connectivity that facilitate the movement of raw materials, intermediate goods, and goods, but also virtual connectivity that allows free flow of data, information, and services.

It is highlighted in both AEC Blueprint 2025 and ASCC Blueprint 2025 the importance to incorporate economic digitalization with development in ASEAN. The development of digital economy has been an integral component of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well.

This is the phase II study of ERIA research on Digital Economy, Innovation and East Asia's Competitiveness in GVCs.

[Research questions]

The project will emphasize (but not limit to) the following four aspects of connectivity:

• Connectivity for free information flow (ICT infrastructure, data regulations, etc.)
• Logistics connectivity (shipment, delivery, transportation, etc.)
• Connectivity for free cash flow (E-payment, online credit system, etc.)
• Seamless links between the virtual and physical networks (services, PPPs, regulation harmonization, etc.)

[Requirements]

• We are looking for proposals that address issues of e-commerce related connectivity for ASEAN and East Asian countries. Both country specific and sector specific analyses are welcome. Studies from sub-regional/regional perspective are also welcome.
• The proposal should provide clear information about: (i) Research question(s), (ii) The related literature/statistics, (iii) Analytical framework, (iv) Data and statistics, (v) Expected policy implications.
• Yet there is no formal restriction bout the length, it is preferable that the proposal contains around 1500-2000 words.
• All materials must be in English.
• We welcome both institutional and individual applicants: (i) For individual applicant(s), please include each researcher's most recent CV, list of publications, and a sample paper, preferable written in a journalistic style, and (ii) For institutional applicant, please provide a list of researchers, their CV, list of publications, and a writing sample.

[Funding]

• ERIA will provide research honoraria to researchers. The amount depends on the number of proposals finally selected.
• Selected researchers/researcher teams will be invited to attend the related workshops, for which ERIA will burden the related expense of transportation and accommodation, according to ERIA rules and conditions.

[Selection]

• Institutional and individual applicants will be considered equally.
• The selection is based on the significance and relevance of the topic(s) as well as the feasibility and the expected quality of the research (based on the proposals).

[Timeframe]

• To be fully considered, proposals should be submitted to Dr Lurong Chen by email to 
• Please put 'Proposal_ERIA_connectivity' as the subject of email.
• The deadline of proposal submission is 15 October 2017. Early submission is recommended.
• Selected submitters will be notified by mid November 2017.
• The first workshop will be held the end of January 2018, when the researchers will present the preliminary draft of papers.
• The formal research contracts will be issued by early February 2018.

Call for Proposal of Improving E-Commerce Enabling/Supporting Connectivity in Asia