A Systems Approach to Investigating Research Engagement in Two Selected Local Higher Education Institutions in the National Capital Region

This study sought to examine the research engagement of two selected local higher education institutions in the National Capital Region participating in the RD Lead Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the lens of Systems Theory. After conducting a five-part online survey distributed through Google Forms to a total of 76 respondents (57 in School A and 19 in School B), the data revealed that knowledge of research was greatly oriented towards quantitative approaches and there was a continuous decline in research engagement as a respondent moves from knowing about research to leading a team of researchers. The study recommends that the DOST perform a more active role when dealing with smaller HEIs in need of research support and mobilizing state-funded HEIs to constitute a task force to remove bottlenecks that RD leaders in the RD Lead Program will not be able to accomplish. Given the data, Schools A and B, need assistance in creating the proper throughputs to facilitate improved research productivity.