Today we are issuing a call for expressions of interest from individuals and organizations to contribute a background paper to inform the research of the 2023 GEM Report on technology.

Each year, around 30 background papers are externally commissioned to fill in research gaps in the GEM Report. From contracting to finalizing, their time frame ranges between 6 and 9 months. Over the years, papers have spanned a wide range of topics, contributing to the understanding of the report themes. The papers are released when the report is launched each year, e.g. the background papers of the 2021/2 report can be found on this page.

The deadline for submitting proposals for the 2023 GEM Report is 31 January, 2022 with notifications of outcomes given on 21 February, 2022. Commissioning will take place in March 2022 and papers commissioned are expected to be completed by October 2022.

The timeline for contributions:

• 17 December 2021: Publication of call for expressions of interest
• 14 January 2022: Deadline for any requests for additional information/clarifications
• 31 January 2022: Deadline to submit expressions of interest
• 14 February 2022: Finalization of review of submissions
• 21 February 2022: Notification of outcome and beginning of negotiation fo contracting

As described in the concept note, the 2023 GEM Report will examine 9 thematic areas, organized under 2 main questions, across all levels of education, from early childhood to adulthood:

While the emphasis will be on information and communication technology, the report will also cover energy, construction and transport technology applications in education.

How to apply

The call consists of two parts:

First, expressions of interest may be submitted in one or more of the following 16 areas:

Second, expressions of interest can also be submitted on any other area covered in the concept note but not included in the 16 thematic areas listed above. The paper should preferably have a comparative regional or global geographical scope and could refer to any level of education, from early childhood to adulthood.

An expression of interest should include:

• A maximum 3-page technical proposal aligned with either one of the above themes or a theme under the open category, including:
  • proposed methodology (and data, if relevant);
  • brief description of past research experience in this field;
  • a financial proposal;
    (background papers tend to be about 8,000 words long)
  • geographical scope, and
  • a suggested timeline and workplan.
• full CVs of those involved, including academic record and list of publications, research grants and projects;
• only for legal entities: proof of registration as a non-governmental/private organisation including copies of registration certificate(s); please place the proposal on the organisation’s letterhead.

Please take note of these selection criteria:

• Proven research record in the proposed area
• Consistency of the approach outlined in the concept note and alignment of the expression of interest with one or more of the above themes
• Capacity of the organisation or individual expert to implement the project based on the track record and past experiences
• Comprehensiveness of the project proposal, including the workplan and budget
• Capacity to draft to a high standard in English or French

Please send your expression of interest in English or French by 31 January 2022 (midnight Central European time) along with the attachments in one PDF file to gemrpost@unesco.org, using the subject line EOI 2023 GEM Report + theme(s). Please also specify in your proposal if you are applying as an individual or an entity.

Any requests for additional information should be addressed in writing by 14 January 2022 at the latest to gemrpost@unesco.org. All responses to any queries or clarification requests will be made available to all applicants on the GEM Report website via this link.

Feature image credit: Charlotte Kesi/World Bank