Project Overview
This comprehensive project assessed Asi@Connect's capacity development and NREN services across seven least developed Asian countries through systematic surveys, field visits, and stakeholder consultations. The initiative aimed to identify infrastructure gaps, training needs, and strategic improvements to enhance regional research and education networking capabilities.
🌐 Web-Based Survey Platform
A dedicated survey system was developed to collect comprehensive data from NREN professionals across the region.
This reusable platform continues to facilitate ongoing feedback and assessment across participating institutions.
Project Objectives
Primary Assessment
Evaluate NREN services and Asi@Connect capacity development initiatives across seven Asian countries through comprehensive data collection.
Gap Analysis
Identify infrastructure gaps, training needs, and service deficiencies to inform strategic improvements.
Strategic Recommendations
Develop evidence-based recommendations for future TEIN and Asi@Connect program enhancements.
Activities Conducted
Website Development
Created a comprehensive web-based survey system at nrensurvey.bdren.net.bd to collect data from NREN professionals across participating countries.
Baseline Survey
Conducted extensive online survey with responses from 124 institutions to evaluate existing NREN services and training impacts.
Focus Group Discussions
Organized FGDs at 15 universities in Bangladesh to gather qualitative insights on network performance and management needs.
Campus Network Visits
Conducted on-site assessments to observe infrastructure, security systems, and REN services in participating institutions.
Blended Conference
Held final stakeholder conference in Dhaka to present survey findings and discuss improvement recommendations.
Final Report
Compiled comprehensive final report with survey results, FGD findings, and strategic recommendations for future programs.
Participating Countries
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
Awarded Country
Project lead and coordination hub
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
Beneficiary country participating in capacity assessment
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Regional partner in NREN development initiatives
🇰🇭 Cambodia
Participating in infrastructure and training assessment
🇱🇦 Laos
Key beneficiary of capacity development programs
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Regional network development and assessment participant
🇳🇵 Nepal
Beneficiary country in regional networking initiatives
Key Outcomes
Comprehensive Data Collection
Successfully surveyed 124 institutions across 7 countries, creating the most comprehensive NREN assessment in the region.
On-Site Evaluations
Conducted detailed infrastructure assessments at 15 universities, providing real-world insights into network capabilities.
Gap Identification
Identified critical gaps in technical training, hands-on experience, and learning management system adoption.
Reusable Platform
Created sustainable web-based feedback platform for ongoing assessment and improvement initiatives.
Policy Recommendations
Developed comprehensive policy recommendations for future TEIN and Asi@Connect program enhancements.
Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitated extensive stakeholder consultation through FGDs and conferences, ensuring regional buy-in.
Partner Organizations
Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU)
Lead institution from Bangladesh coordinating project activities
Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN)
National NREN providing technical expertise and infrastructure
University of Dhaka - Institute of Information Technology
Technical partner providing research and development support
University of Chittagong - Department of Sociology
Research partner focusing on social and organizational aspects
TEIN*CC
Regional coordination and networking support organization
Asi@Connect Secretariat
Program coordination and strategic guidance provider
Future Directions
Platform Expansion
Maintain and expand the online feedback platform to support continuous improvement and monitoring.
Training Centers
Establish Training of Trainers (ToT) centers at universities to build sustainable local capacity.
Digital Infrastructure
Implement learning management systems and digital office infrastructure across participating institutions.
Industry Partnerships
Promote partnerships between universities and industries to enhance practical training opportunities.
Tailored Training
Develop role-specific training content tailored for different NREN positions and skill levels.
Regional Integration
Strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge sharing mechanisms across Asian NRENs.