Background

 

The Decarbonization for Development Lab (DfD Lab) is a research forum initiated by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) for academics and practitioners to collaborate on the development of effective decarbonization policies, especially in international trade and climate change issues, to achieve the economic advancement of developing countries amid climate change.

 

The DfD Lab seeks to bridge this gap by providing empirical studies and informed analyses highlighting the mutual impacts of international trade, industry, investment, and climate change on economic development in Indonesia. In response to global policy trends such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the United States' Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which emphasize industrial decarbonization, Indonesia needs strategic and evidence-based policies to navigate these changes effectively.

 

This year, the DfD Lab will focus on conducting comprehensive studies and fostering a scientific understanding of decarbonization and development. It will also provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to collaborate and contribute practical policy recommendations. One program that facilitates that goal is the Call for Research Proposal, which brings the theme of “The Impact and Trend of Decarbonization in Indonesia’s Development.”

 

This Call for Research Proposal aims to comprehensively study the relationship between international trade, investment and industrial policies, green growth & development, and climate change in Indonesia. The research project aims to inform policy debates and ideas related to the topics and is expected to be published in a notable international journal. Upon approval of the final paper, selected authors will be invited to present their papers at a national conference.

 

List of Suggested Topics

 

The topics of the research proposal could be in the area of, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Downstream policy strategy to meet sustainable targets and economic growth.

  • Good governance in critical minerals and its implication to the metal industry and its value chain.

  • Innovation to decarbonize hard-to-abate industry, e.g., aviation, steel, chemical, cement, metal, shipping, etc.

  • Harmonization of sustainable standards, imperatives, and impacts.

  • Climate-related international trade policies, e.g., EUDR, CBAM, climate club, etc.

  • Green industrial development and Indonesia in the global supply chain of green commodities.

  • Energy decarbonization pathways in transportation, households, industry, and buildings.

  • Market-based mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, e.g., Pigouvian tax, Cap & Trade, etc., and its implications for other sectors.

 

Remuneration

 

The proposal that is eligible and selected for this study will receive a grant of Rp80,000,000.00. An additional award of Rp10,000,000.00 will be given for each paper that will be published in a selected journal. 

 

Selection Criteria

 

Authors should submit a draft of the proposal of around 2,000 words that consists of:

  • Research objective/questions
  • Methodology
  • Preliminary data analysis
  • Indicative timeline with the deliverables and work arrangement within the study period (work plan)
  • Expected output/outcome

 

The submitted proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:  

  • The submitted proposal should clearly elaborate on the research question(s), detailed methodology, data source (s), work plan, and output.  

  • The proposal should be able to bridge research and policy rather than solely promote academic research. 

 

Researchers tasked with studying the proposed and agreed topic should meet the following criteria:

  • A researcher or group of researchers with up to three co-authors can submit proposals.
  • While previous experience researching the topic is essential, it is not mandatory.
  • A team comprising members from various institutions or organizations is preferable. If there are multiple applicants, the team leader must meet all the specified requirements.
  • Researchers may submit multiple proposals; however, they can only serve as the team leader for one proposal and not for any others they submit.

 

Project Timeline and Procedure

 

The proposal must be submitted by 16 September 2024 at 23:59 (GMT +7). The proposal should be sent to climate@csis.or.id cc to ardhi.wardhana@csis.or.id and dandy.rafitrandi@csis.or.id with the subject of DfD Lab Call for Research Proposal.

 

The research is expected to be conducted from October 2024 to April 2025, with the final deliverable of the reviewed working paper. The expected timeline is as follows:

Contracting team members : September-October 2024

  • First workshop : November 2024
  • Second workshop/Draft paper submission : February 2025
  • Final paper submission : March 2025
  • Final review : March-April 2025
  • Expected publication and conference : May & July 2025

 

Contact Person

All queries related to this ToR shall be emailed to climate@csis.or.id cc to ardhi.wardhana@csis.or.id and dandy.rafitrandi@csis.or.id