Central bank outlines priorities on inflation, financial sector development and structural reforms to strengthen policymaking
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched its inaugural Research Agenda for 2026-2029, outlining key research priorities aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking amid a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The central bank said the agenda reflects its focus on addressing emerging domestic and global economic challenges, including technological advancements, recurring supply shocks, climate change and persistent structural constraints affecting Pakistan’s economy.
According to the SBP, the three-year roadmap aligns with its statutory mandate and the objectives set out under SBP Vision 2028, providing a comprehensive framework to enhance the analytical foundations of monetary policy formulation and regulatory decision-making.
Three strategic research themes
The SBP Research Agenda 2026-2029 is organised around three core strategic themes:
1. Inflation Dynamics and Monetary Policy
2. Financial Sector Deepening, Soundness and Efficiency
3. Structural Transformation and Economic Development
The central bank said these themes have been selected to address existing research gaps and facilitate informed macroeconomic policymaking over the coming years.
Research under these areas will seek to improve understanding of inflation trends, monetary transmission mechanisms, financial sector resilience, financial inclusion, productivity enhancement and broader economic development challenges.
Supporting evidence-based policymaking
SBP noted that the research agenda is designed to support more effective policy responses in an increasingly complex environment characterised by economic uncertainties and structural shifts.
The initiative aims to strengthen the central bank’s analytical capacity and contribute to the development of policies that promote price stability, financial sector efficiency and sustainable economic growth.
Focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing
The central bank also emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing emerging economic and financial sector issues.
As part of implementing the research agenda, SBP plans to actively engage with academics, policy researchers, government institutions and other external stakeholders at both individual and institutional levels.
The bank said enhanced knowledge sharing and collaborative research efforts would help generate innovative policy solutions and deepen understanding of critical economic challenges facing Pakistan.
The launch of the inaugural research agenda marks an important step towards institutionalising forward-looking research to support Pakistan’s evolving monetary, financial and developmental policy needs over the next three years.
