Research and Development Management Practices of Local Colleges in the Davao Region

Research and development (R&D) management is essential in strengthening institutional research productivity, governance, and sustainability among higher education institutions. Despite the growing emphasis on research as a driver of innovation and regional development, locally funded colleges continue to encounter challenges related to governance structures, resource allocation, faculty engagement, and policy implementation. This study explored the research and development management practices of local colleges in the Davao Region. Guided by Administrative Management Theory and contemporary management perspectives, the study employed a qualitative approach using a single instrumental case study design. Fourteen purposively selected participants, composed of research directors, program heads, and faculty researchers from six local colleges, participated in in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed through deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Findings revealed seven major themes that characterize R&D management practices among local colleges: Strategic Direction in Research and Development, Centralized Bureaucratic Research Governance Structure, Leadership-Driven Capacity Building System, Integrated Process Standardization in Research Governance, Compliance-Driven Policy Formulation, Performance Accountability Systems, and Multi-Source Resource Mobilization System for Sustainable Research Development. These themes demonstrate that effective research management is achieved through strategic planning, structured governance, leadership support, policy compliance, standardized procedures, accountability mechanisms, and diversified resource generation. The findings further indicate that institutional commitment, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous capacity-building initiatives are vital in fostering a sustainable research culture. The study concludes that strengthening research governance through integrated management systems contributes significantly to institutional effectiveness and research sustainability. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, institutional leaders, and higher education stakeholders in developing policies and strategies that enhance research productivity and promote sustainable research development among local colleges.