newsPublished on 15 September 2026

CISR Launches Major Sustainability Research Initiative for 2026

The Centre for Innovation and Sustainability Research announces a landmark multi-year research programme focused on circular economy transitions in South Asian SMEs, supported by international academic partnerships.

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CISR Editorial TeamCommunications
CISR Launches Major Sustainability Research Initiative for 2026

The Centre for Innovation and Sustainability Research (CISR) is proud to announce the launch of its flagship **Sustainability Transitions Research Initiative 2026**, a multi-year collaborative programme examining how small and medium enterprises across South Asia are navigating the shift toward circular economy models.

The initiative brings together researchers from the University of Rajshahi alongside international partners from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Malaysia. Over the next three years, the team will conduct longitudinal case studies, survey-based empirical research, and policy analysis covering five industry sectors: manufacturing, agri-processing, textiles, logistics, and fintech.

"This initiative represents CISR's most ambitious undertaking to date," said the Director. "Our goal is not merely to document what is happening, but to generate actionable knowledge that businesses and policymakers can use to accelerate responsible transitions."

The programme will produce a series of working papers, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed articles. Findings will be presented at international conferences and submitted to the CISR Journal of Sustainability & Society upon its launch.

Researchers, postgraduate students, and industry practitioners interested in collaborating are encouraged to contact CISR at **info@cisres.org**.

Tags:#sustainability#circular economy#SME#research initiative#South Asia