Centre for Business Research and Entrepreneurship Development

Research at GCBS

The research office at GCBS is the research, consulting, training, and entrepreneurship development arm of the college. The college recognizes the importance of research as a key component of its mission. The office drives policy-relevant business research, provides GNH value-based training in business and management, engages in consulting projects, and facilitates creation of an enabling environment for student entrepreneurship. The Royal University of Bhutan has granted endorsement for the college to establish the research centre named **'Centre for Business Research and Entrepreneurship Development (CBRED)'**.

A. Research Support

The college continually strives to strengthen its research culture and capacity to effectively address the key research areas such as relevance, necessity, efficiency, and effectiveness. To this end, there are research supports put in place both at the university and college level. These research grants are currently available only to the staff/faculty and students of the college. The research office helps researchers secure grants from university, college, and other funding agencies.

Research Grants

University Level Research Grants

1. **Annual University Research Grant (AURG)**

The AURG research block grant is administered annually by the Department of Research and External Relations, Office of the Vice Chancellor, Royal University of Bhutan. Available annual funding is distributed to individual researchers or research teams through merit-based and peer-reviewed processes. The university categorizes applicants into four groups: **Beginner Researcher (BR), Mid-Career Researcher (MCR), Advance Career Researcher (ACR), Teaching Learning Researcher (TLR)**. Funds are allocated differently for each group.

2. **Research Endowment Fund (REF)**

The REF was instituted with government funding and is managed by the Royal University of Bhutan with standing guidelines. REF supports designated purposes such as research grants and scholarships. Applications are floated annually, and awards are based on competitive merit.

3. **Innovation Fund**

The Innovation Fund encourages university staff to propose innovative ideas that improve processes and service efficiency. Successful proposals receive financial backing to implement improvements and foster a culture of innovation.

College Level Research Grants

1. **Annual College Research Grant (ACRG)**

ACRG promotes a strong research culture by supporting competitive, high-quality research projects. Objectives include fostering research-based teaching, enhancing faculty productivity, and encouraging collaboration. Researchers must produce impactful outcomes such as publications, presentations, and timely progress reports.

2. **Special Grant on National Issues (SGNI)**

SGNI supports projects addressing Bhutan’s national development priorities, aligned with the 13th Five-Year Plan. Objectives include promoting innovative research for socio-economic growth, sustainable development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Findings are expected to be disseminated via workshops, policy briefs, and publications.

Research Policies

1. **RUB Research Policies (Zhib Tshol)**

Zhib Tshol is the primary reference for research at the university. It defines official policies, procedures, and the research governance structure. It also encourages collaboration within the university and the wider academic world.

2. **GCBS Research and Consultancy Policy (2022)**

This policy aligns with Zhib Tshol and ensures uniformity, transparency, and guidance in planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and dissemination. It outlines procedures, structures, and support services for staff and students.

B. Centre for Business Research and Entrepreneurship Development (CB-RED)

a. Entrepreneurship Development Cell

Entrepreneurship is a strategic thrust area for the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Royal University of Bhutan's Strategic Plan (2018–2030) focuses on entrepreneurship development. The college established the **Entrepreneurship Development Cell** to promote entrepreneurship culture and practices. The Cell supports incubating business ideas through the College Incubation Centre and invites practicing entrepreneurs to share success and failure stories.

b. Training and Consulting Services

The college provides professional services for individuals and organizations through research/problem-based consultancy and training facilitated by CBRED. Staff engaged in these services follow the college research and consulting policies. Training programs are developed by faculty based on organizational or market needs and are tailored for pre-service and in-service participants. For enquiries, contact **dril.gcbs@rub.edu.bt**.

C. Research Events

The college conducts events such as **symposiums, seminars, workshops, and conferences** to provide platforms for sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences. Events bring together academic scholars, researchers, corporate leaders, government officials, and industry experts. Events may be **international, national, or college level** depending on their nature. Collaboration with industries and educational institutions for joint conferences is encouraged.

D. Publications

To disseminate new information timely to the community, the college publishes **research journals, newsletters, annual reports, and other project reports/policy briefs**.