Research Agenda
Research Agenda
Research creates its greatest value when individual studies contribute to a coherent programme of inquiry rather than remaining isolated investigations. Rather than pursuing disconnected topics, my work is organized around a long-term Research Agenda that explores how data, digital public infrastructure, institutional design, and governance systems can strengthen the governance of land, natural resources, and critical minerals.
This agenda develops progressively through conceptual research, empirical studies, white papers, policy briefs, and practical implementation. Each research programme addresses a distinct dimension of resource governance while contributing to a shared objective: transforming compliance into institutional capability, sovereign data assets, and sustainable public value.
The programmes presented here represent an evolving roadmap rather than a fixed destination. As new evidence emerges and governance challenges evolve, this Research Agenda will continue to expand, deepen, and refine the ideas, concepts, and frameworks that shape my work.
The Research Agenda is currently organized into the following interconnected research programmes:
Research Programme 1 – The Compliance Chasm
Fundamental Question
How can compliance create institutional capability instead of merely increasing obligations?
Overview
Examines the widening gap between expanding compliance obligations and the developmental value captured by producing countries, while exploring how compliance can become a driver of stronger institutions and sustainable public value.
Key Concepts
- Compliance Chasm
- Trust Chasm
- Traceability Dividend
- Compliance Capability
Research Programme 2 – Sovereign Data Logics (SDL)
Fundamental Question
How can governance data become a sovereign strategic asset rather than an administrative by-product?
Overview
Explores how governments can transform governance data into sovereign data assets that strengthen institutional capability, policy intelligence, and long-term public value.
Key Concepts
- Sovereign Data Logics
- Sovereign Handshake
- Sovereign Data Assets
- Data Sovereignty Models
Research Programme 3 – Resource Governance Operating Systems (RGOS)
Fundamental Question
What governance architecture is needed for the digital age?
Overview
Designs modular governance architectures that integrate digital public infrastructure, traceability, geospatial intelligence, and ESG systems into coherent operating systems for land, natural resources, and critical minerals.
Key Concepts
- RGOS
- Meta-RGOS
- Modular ESG
- Governance Operating Layers
Research Programme 4 – Resource Governance Transformation
Fundamental Question
How do institutions evolve to deliver stronger governance and sustainable public value?
Overview
Investigates how institutions transform through governance reform, digital innovation, and institutional capability to achieve more effective resource governance and resilient public institutions.
Key Concepts
- Resource Governance Chasm
- Institutional Capability
- Governance Maturity
- Governance Transformation Pathways
