Institutional Research aims to enhance the operations of institutions through the production of
data and information that are used to improve the effectiveness of the organization. Statistical
organizations are well positioned in the nature of their operations to benefit from the pursuit of
institutional research activity. Since such research employs a variety of statistical concepts and
methods in its practice, the training of institutional research professionals is dependent upon the
outcomes of education and training and the methods adopted in the teaching of statistics. This
paper examines the existing functions and areas of operations as well as the new and emerging
demands for statistics and indicators, which pose challenges for National Statistical
Organizations (NSO'S), in the 15 member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
region. The author identifies some of the critical areas in which the practice of institutional
research can be established and pursued and suggests that the training of professionals in this
area will be a desirable support function at time of increasing statistical demand.