Research Agenda
Five Interconnected Domains
Each research pillar is chosen because Bhutan’s experience offers distinctive and underutilized insights. Together, they address the defining challenges of our era.
Climate & Environmental Policy
01Carbon markets, biodiversity frameworks, climate finance for small states, and integrating environmental values into national accounting systems — drawing on Bhutan’s constitutional environmental protections and carbon-negative record.
Technology & Innovation Policy
02Clean energy economics, digital finance models for developing economies, central bank digital currency, and technology governance frameworks that balance innovation with values-led development — anchored in Bhutan’s renewable energy leadership.
Bhutan’s Economic Development
03Youth employment, sustainable tourism, hydropower economics, trade integration with South Asia, and growth frameworks that preserve cultural and environmental integrity — including research on mindful capitalism and enlightened prosperity.
Global Governance & Diplomacy
04The role and voice of small states in multilateral institutions, reform of global governance architectures, South-South cooperation, and new models of diplomatic engagement for nations outside the major power blocs.
Urban Development
05As Bhutan urbanises and the Gelephu Mindfulness City takes shape, BGG serves as a key source of information for sustainable, forward-thinking urban development and economic growth rooted in Bhutanese values.
What We Produce
Inaugural Three-Year Programme
A phased approach to building institutional capacity, research output, and global convening power.
Year 1
Foundations
Launch research operations with rapid-response policy briefs and longer-form working papers, freely available online. Convene the inaugural BGG Board meeting in Bhutan.
Year 2
Expansion
Host the first annual convening in Bhutan, bringing together policymakers, scholars, and practitioners from across the globe. Publish the flagship State of Policy Report. Launch the BGG Fellowship Programme.
Year 3
Global Reach
Full operations across all five research domains. Pilot the first Gross National Happiness report conducted outside Bhutan, beginning in India. Establish BGG as a recognised voice in global policy discourse.
Governance
Independence by Design
Honesty in our assessments is structural, not aspirational. Our governance model ensures that the credibility of our research — our most valuable asset — is never compromised.
Diversified Funding
Revenue drawn from philanthropic foundations, bilateral development partnerships, and institutional grants. No single donor may contribute more than 20% of annual revenue.
Independent Advisory Board
An International Advisory Board drawn from academia, government, civil society, and the private sector across multiple regions provides strategic oversight.
Published Independence Policy
All researchers operate under a published independence policy modelled on the standards of the world’s leading think tanks.
Transparency
Funding sources, governance structures, and research methodologies are disclosed publicly. All research is freely accessible.
Separation of Funding and Findings
Funding partners support research programmes but do not influence agendas or conclusions. This principle is enshrined in the founding charter.
Funding Model
20% Cap Rule: Our founding charter provision ensures no single donor may contribute more than 20% of annual revenue — protecting intellectual independence at every level.
Support Our Work
The Partnership Opportunity
We are inviting a small group of founding partners to help establish our first three years of operations. Founding partners are institution-builders, and will be recognised as such in perpetuity.
Founding Partner Tier
Friend of Bhutan
$5,000 – $15,000
- ✦ Recognition on BGG website and annual reports
- ✦ Invitation to the annual convening in Bhutan
- ✦ Access to all published research and briefings
Founding Partner Tier
Research Partner
$25,000 – $50,000
- ✦ All Friend benefits, plus:
- ✦ Co-funding of a named research brief or working paper
- ✦ Named recognition in relevant publications
- ✦ Priority access to researchers and expert network
Founding Partner Tier
Summit Sponsor
$50,000 – $100,000
- ✦ All Research Partner benefits, plus:
- ✦ Named sponsorship of the annual BGG convening
- ✦ Speaking opportunity or panel participation
- ✦ Recognition in all event communications
Premier Partnership
Founding Partner
$100,000+ over three years
- ✦ All Summit Sponsor benefits, plus:
- ✦ Named recognition in all BGG publications
- ✦ Direct engagement with BGG leadership
- ✦ Shape the research agenda through annual consultations
- ✦ Recognition as a founding institution in perpetuity