Why Research Capacity Matters in Public Investment
Public‑sector policy increasingly relies on data and evidence to drive investment decisions. In the Gulf, where rapid diversification is a national priority, the ability to design, execute and interpret market studies can distinguish successful initiatives from ineffective ones. Middlesex University Dubai has responded by offering a focused, three‑week programme that equips Ministry of Investment (MISA) staff with the skills needed to turn raw data into actionable policy.
Program Overview: From Design to Impact
The initiative, delivered in partnership with IPSOS, is built around ten modules that cover the full research lifecycle:
- Market Research Design Fundamentals – establishing research objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and defining sampling strategies.
- Qualitative & Quantitative Data Collection – techniques ranging from in‑depth interviews to structured surveys, and guidance on instrument translation for Arabic‑speaking participants.
- Survey Construction and Sampling – best practices for question wording, skip logic, and ensuring representative samples for sectoral studies.
- Advanced Analytics – workshops on descriptive statistics, inferential tests, predictive modelling and multivariate techniques using SPSS.
- Data Visualization – building interactive dashboards in Power BI to communicate insights to non‑technical stakeholders.
Participants finish the course with a capstone project that mirrors a real‑world policy investigation, requiring them to gather data, run analyses and produce a briefing that informs investment strategy.
Outcome: Data‑Driven Policy Recommendations
By the end of the programme, MISA professionals can:
- Create and test hypotheses about market barriers.
- Quantify the impact of regulatory reforms.
- Recommend specific incentives to attract foreign direct investment.
- Present findings in a clear, visualised format that supports executive decision‑making.
Expert Training Team
The curriculum is led by a multidisciplinary team:
- Dr Sreejith Balasubramanian – Chair of the Office of Research, brings experience in research strategy and capacity building.
- Dr Supriya Kaitheri – specialist in market analytics.
- Professor Cody Morris Paris – Deputy Director of Research & Business, focuses on translating academic rigor into policy impact.
- Dr Krishnadas Nanath – expert in statistical modelling.
- Dr Yousra Osman – consultant on qualitative research design.
Their combined expertise ensures that participants receive a balanced mix of theory and hands‑on practice.
Benefits to the Ministry of Investment
For MISA, the programme represents a strategic investment in human capital. Benefits include:
- Elevated Research Quality: staff can produce internal studies that meet international standards.
- Faster Policy Cycles: analytical tools reduce the turnaround time from data gathering to recommendation.
- Evidence‑Based Decision Making: stakeholders gain confidence in policies backed by rigorous analysis.
- Regional Visibility: showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to data‑driven investment policy, attracting higher‑quality foreign capital.
How to Engage with the Program
If your organization could benefit from enhanced research capabilities, consider the following steps:
- Assess Needs: Identify key research gaps in your investment strategy.
- Contact Middlesex University Dubai for a consultative session: Contact us to discuss custom arrangements.
- Schedule a Demo of the Power BI dashboard templates used in the programme.
- Register Your Team for the next session: Explore research initiatives.
Register for the Next Cohort
The programme runs bi‑annually, with the next intake slated for early 2026. Spaces are limited to ensure close mentoring; early registration is advised. Submit your application today to secure participation.
Real‑World Impact: A Case Study
During the initial run, 30 MISA professionals progressed through the training and produced a series of policy briefs on the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector. The reports highlighted tariff reductions, streamlined licensing, and investment incentives that can lower cost of entry by up to 15%. Presentations to the Ministry’s senior leadership were delivered in the final week, receiving commendation for clarity and actionable insights.
Future Directions
Middlesex University Dubai plans to expand the programme to include modules on big data analytics, machine learning for predictive investment modelling, and sector‑specific research (e.g., tourism, renewable energy). There is also an intention to open the course to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministries to foster regional knowledge sharing.
Closing Thoughts – Building a Research‑Enabled Future
Investment decisions that are grounded in evidence strengthen national economic resilience. Graduates of the research capacity building programme bring new skills back to their ministries, enabling faster, data‑driven decisions that attract investors and spur growth. Middlesex University Dubai remains committed to empowering public sector professionals with the tools they need to make a measurable difference.
Interested in learning how your organisation can harness research for policy impact? Reach out to our research team today and discuss tailored solutions.
