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Institute for Contemporary Studies, Tirana, Albania (ISB)
Contact Person: Project Manager Juliana Dhimitri Tel: +355 42 47146, 51010, 51020 Fax: +355 42 34868
Media Contact: Elira Jorgoni Tel: +355 42 47146 Fax: +355 42 34868 http://www.ics-al.org
The main goal of the Institute for Contemporary Studies (ICS) is to promote and support the development of a democratic system and free market in the country and the integration of Albania in Europe. ICS is currently one of the most active non-governmental organisations in Albania and it is well known in the Balkan region. Its success is attributed to the high quality of its technical capacities, impartiality, civic responsibility, and an outstanding ability to build strategic coalitions and networking.
ICS offers alternative opinions for the development of policies, and advocates for their adoption and implementation. ICS initiates on its own research and policy activities engaging the best Albanian expertise and promotes the participation of interest groups aiming to increase awareness and to build a broad and sound consensus.
Activities: The priority areas of engagement for ICS include economic and social reforms, democracy and the rule of law, public institutional reform, and European integration.
International Center for Human Development, Yerevan, Armenia (ICHD)
Contact Person: Executive Director Tevan Poghosyan Tel: +374 10 582638 Fax: +374 10 527082
Media Contact: Armen Galstyan Tel: +374 10 582638 Fax: +374 10 527082 http://www.ichd.org
The International Center for Human Development (ICHD or the Center) was established in March 2000 and is now considered one of the leading think-tanks in the South Caucasus. Through pursuit of its core principles and objectives, ICHD strives to unite the most prominent representatives of the public, scientific, cultural, and business sectors of the region, to strengthen democratic mechanisms and to foster free market values, while simultaneously crafting regional collaboration and economic development strategies for the countries of the Caucasus.
Whatever the issue - conflict prevention or capacity building, anti-smoking campaigns or development of a virtual agricultural market - ICHD's mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making processes through research, analysis, training and advocacy. A key element in achieving this mission is the formulation of unique solutions to the principal issues in economic development and social welfare.
Towards this end, ICHD uses a variety of means to communicate its research and policy perspectives to the broadest possible audiences, especially to critical groups such as policymakers, scholars, and the media.
ICHD strives to:
• strengthen civil society
• contribute to regional integration and peace building
• contribute to the development of the social sector and poverty alleviation
• assist governance and public sector reforms
• develop free market institutions
• develop good practice in local governance
• raise awareness on environmental issues
• raise awareness on primary health care
• promote Armenian culture.
ICHD employs a team of highly qualified analysts and researchers with strong academic backgrounds and substantial experience in both public governance and the private sector.
ICHD has been actively involved in designing and implementing a wide range of projects and initiatives. It has published a substantial number of analytical viewpoints, policy briefs, articles, research papers, catalogues, leaflets and brochures, has trained more than 1000 professionals on a variety of themes, both locally and regionally, has initiated public awareness and participation campaigns, held more than a thousand working meetings and organised numerous international conferences and business forums. All these activities have contributed to building up the reputation of a professional and reliable think-tank, both inside and outside the country.
MISSION: to help improve policies and decision-making through research, analysis, training and advocacy.
PROJECTS
For over five years, ICHD has implemented a wide range of projects and activities.
Key activity spheres:
1. Regional Integration / Peacebuilding
2. Civil Society Strengthening
3. Good Governance & Transparency
4. Economic Development
5. Primary Health Care
6. Culture
Social Policy and Development Center, Yerevan, Armenia (SPDC)
Contact Person: Executive Director Arman Vardanyan Tel: +374 10 544 504 Fax: +374 10 544 504
Media Contact: Yekaterina Potapova Tel: +374 10 544 504 Fax: +374 10 544 504 http://www.cspda.org
The Social Policy and Development Center (SPDC) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, established in 2004 by a group of policy analysts. It is an independent and critical voice that does not depend on government funding and is not affiliated with any political party.
The aim of SPDC is to create a new physical and conceptual space with an explicit agenda to bring new and fresh thinking about social development. SPDC promotes social policy that creates new and better ways to meet needs, solve problems and build better communities, with particular attention to the three core issues of poverty reduction, fighting corruption and social integration. SPDC strives to contribute to the creation of a community that enables the building of a secure, just, free and harmonious society offering opportunities and higher standards of living for all. SPDC believes in the enduring need for strong social policy to fight poverty and corruption, ensure social and economic security, and achieve social justice.
SPDC's objectives are:
• creation of a think-tank space and associated supporting structures and identity
• facilitation of thinking space to create an environment that is shared, safe and creative, and not proscribed by convention, conservatism or cultural constraints
• development of relationships and partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholder groups interested in participating in thinking activities and in promoting shared ideas
• delivery of a series of seminars and meetings, publication and dissemination of papers, concepts and experiences generated by the SPDC
• formation of strategic partnerships with other organisations that can take forward the ideas into action, projects and programmes
SPDC seeks to inform and influence public opinion and to foster public discussion on poverty and social policy, and develops and promotes concrete, practicable proposals for the reform of social programmes at all levels of government. SPDC's work covers a broad range of social policy and development areas, including health, education, social services, and employment services. SPDC also seeks to inform social policy experts and policymakers in other countries on issues and developments in Armenian social policy. SPDC plans to produce brief commentaries and reports, and to contribute articles to the op-ed pages of major newspapers and journals, concentrates on issues important to the country, and carries out research suited to the centre's particular strengths. Seeking a balance between short-term and long-term studies, national and local issues, and applied and theoretical work, SPDC monitors national social policy and assesses its implications at the national and local levels.
SPDC co-ordinates and brings together actors from diverse stakeholder groups, including MPs, political parties, government agencies, intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and private business, policymakers and opinion-shapers, academics, researchers, specialists, grassroots stakeholders, activists and other interested parties. SPDC provides the space for different actors to meet and work together, and facilitates the creation and management of processes to enable individuals and organisations to engage and interact in new and productive ways.
Economic Research Center, Baku, Azerbaijan (ERC)
Contact Person: External Communications Officer Elshad Hemzedoglu Mikayilov Tel: +994 12 4373230 Fax: +994 12 4373240
Media Contact: Chair Gubad Ibadoglu Bayramov Tel: +994 12 598 44 31, 4373230 Fax: +994 12 4373240 http://www.erc-az.org
The Economic Research Center (ERC) is an independent non-profit research institution established in July 1999. The mission of ERC is to promote the provision of sustainable economic development and good governance.
The goals of the centre are:
1. to spread economic reform and the market economy in Azerbaijan;
2. to develop market values;
3. to supply people and businessmen with the necessary information on law and economics, and to give them accurate information about economic events and legal processes, market mechanisms and market infrastructure activity;
4. to promote reforms, and provide scientific analysis.
Activities
ERC conducts the following activities:
1. provides policy advice to the Government of Azerbaijan;
2. conducts research for other development institutions on key development issues;
3. contributes to national capacity-building and raising public awareness of socio-economic issues.
ERC co-operates closely with International Budget Project USA, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Oxfam, and is a member of the Publish What You Pay coalition, campaigning for transparency in the extractive industries sector. A member of the "Improvement of municipal finance" Task Force of the Azerbaijan Republic State Programme on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development for 2006-2015, ERC is also a member of the Task Force for the formation of the National Association of Municipalities initiated by the Congress of European Local Self-organisation and Regional Government. ERC has initiated public hearings on the budget in about 30 municipalities, and has devised the methodological material for automatisation of the budget documentation process in Azerbaijan. The Package of Recommendations developed by ERC as the result of the projects "Improvement of the Budget system" and "Azerbaijan's Accession to the WTO; Pros and Cons" are currently used for the development of government policy in both areas.
Publications
For several years, ERC has been publishing the magazine EXPERT (www.ekspert.az), and works to fill the vacuum in the country with respect to statistical information and independent analysis of the economic and social realities of Azerbaijan.
Center for Economic and Social Development, Baku, Azerbaijan (CESD)
1002 Baku Azerbaijan
Contact Person: Chairman Vugar Bayramov Tel: +99412 4 971161 Fax: +99412 5984431
Media Contact: Chairman Vugar Bayramov Tel: +99412 564 1015 Fax: +99412 59 84 431 http://www.cesd.az
The Center for Economic and Social Development (CESD) was established for the purpose of promoting research into contemporary economic and social problems in 2005.
The Center aims to:
(i) organise and promote theoretical and practical research in problems concerning economic and social development
(ii) provide policy advice to the Government of Azerbaijan
(iii) contribute to national capacity-building and raise public awareness of socio-economic issues
(iv) foster co-operation between the public, private, NGO sector, and educational institutions in addressing and resolving economic problems
(v) assist sustainable development, gender development, reducing poverty, achieving Millennium Development Goals and economic and social reforms.
The Center was established upon the initiative of distinguished economists, mostly who have received degrees from Western Universities.
CESD holds regular seminars, conference and workshops on social and economic topics. The Center exchanges research papers with several research institutions abroad.
CESD has achieved success by establishing an international network of academic contacts and promoting co-ordinated research programmes. The centre's work has involved its researchers in studies of social sphere reforms, WTO accession; poverty reduction; MDGs and many other topics in Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) as well as in other transition countries.
PRIORITY RESEARCH AREAS:
Macroeconomic Policy
Gender Development
Competitiveness of Azerbaijan Economy and Economic Growth
Social Sphere
Public Sector Reform
Financial System, Taxation and Fiscal Policy
Energy, Telecommunications, Transport
EU Accession, Regional Cooperation, and Foreign Economic Relations.
International Forum Bosnia, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (IFB)
Contact Person: Alma Mrgan-Slipičević Tel: +387 33 217 665/670/680 Fax: +387 33 206 484
Media Contact: Irena Šaravanja Tel: +387 33 217 665/670/680 Fax: +387 33 206 484 http://www.ifbosna.org.ba
International Forum Bosnia (IFB) is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1997 in Sarajevo. It brings together individuals and institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad committed to the creation of a future for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a harmonious and united society, based on dialogue, trust and respect, and on optimal practice in the fields of human rights protection, the rule of law, and democracy.
Although IFB's members adhere to the view of the sustainability of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole, they believe that the development of the country calls for the formation of a new intellectual community based on dialogue, trust, and respect, within which the totality of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be scientifically examined from diverse perspectives. This community will oppose the existing ethno-national ideologies, which are the underlying causes of mistrust and intolerance as the main generators of social tensions and conflicts.
Through systematic research, the IFB community will identify, develop and promote a new synthesis for Bosnia and Herzegovina, free from fear, hostilities, and tensions. This long-term project includes research at all levels of the society of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in geopolitics, geostrategy, history, education, advanced and information technologies, gender issues, regional co-operation, private/public partnership, and other issues related to the efficient transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards a harmonious membership in the community of European countries.
The IFB is endeavouring to attain this objective by means of the project "Bosnia: Research and Development", as well as various intellectual gatherings and undertakings (workshops, panels, symposia, conferences, public lectures, exhibitions, and the advancement of knowledge about Bosnia and Herzegovina), and the presentation of significant views on culture, society, scholarship and politics related to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its place in the world (for instance, in the IFB journal 'Forum Bosnae'). IFB's thematic and regional centres, branches, clubs, foundations, and other components should also contribute to this end. In this way, IFB seeks to contribute to a new understanding of the Bosnian unity in diversity from within and from outside. IFB documents result from research that employs analytical and holistic approaches to the major issues facing Bosnia and Herzegovina that have been debated within IFB. These documents are available to the public.
IFB has regional centres in Tuzla, Mostar and Banja Luka, and the following thematic centres:
• Centre for Study of History
• Centre for Strategic Studies
• Centre for Education
• Centre for Student Programmes
• Centre for Technology and Economic Development
• Centre for Gender Studies
• Centre for Regional Cooperation
• Centre for Cultural Heritage
• Centre for Interreligious Dialogue
• Centre for Media and Communications
• Centre for Natural Heritage
• Centre for Modern Linguistics
Center for Economic Development, Sofia, Bulgaria (CED)
Contact Person: Director Maria Prohaska Tel: +359 2 8190 777 Fax: +359 2 8190 776
Media Contact: Blenika Djelepova Tel: +359 2 8190762 Fax: +359 2 8190 776 http://www.ced.bg
The Center for Economic Development is a non-governmental organisation established in September 1997 by a group of economic experts, working together since the autumn of 1996. The goals of the Center are:
1. to contribute to Bulgaria's economic development and achievement of sustainable economic growth in a market economy;
2. to enhance the economic culture and the quality of economics education in Bulgaria;
3. to promote public debate on major economic policy issues and promote co-operation among the public and private sector, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations in addressing economic problems.
The Center accomplishes its goals through:
1. economic research and dissemination of findings;
2. development of economic policy options;
3. analysis of the effectiveness of current economic legislation and production of draft legislation;
4. advocacy of liberal economic ideas and promotion of the experience of developed market economies;
5. promotion of the exchange of ideas among Bulgarian and foreign experts in the fields of economics, management and business;
6. development of Internet applications on the Bulgarian economy;
7. support of economic education and training;
8. organisation of, and participation in, workshops, conferences, seminars and other public events;
9. publications.
Activities: The Center carries out activities in the following major areas: competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy and economic growth; information and communication technologies; small and medium-sized enterprises; infrastructure: energy and transport; social insurance and social policies; taxation and fiscal policy; regional economic development; Bulgaria's EU accession and foreign economic relations; public procurement; economic statistics.
European Institute, Sofia, Bulgaria (EI)
Contact Person: Deputy Development Director Darina Kadunkova Tel: +359 2 988 6410/6405/6406 Fax: +359 2 988 6411
Media Contact: Darina Kadunkova Tel: +359 2 988 6410 Fax: +359 2 988 6411 http://www.europe.bg
The European Institute, Sofia, is a non-governmental policy centre, specialised in providing research and technical assistance on European Union accession policies. Supporting Bulgaria's accession to the EU is the main focus of EI's activities. EI was founded in 1999, in response to Bulgaria's increased efforts at speeding up the process of preparing for EU membership.
Activities: administrative capacity; accession (regarding the 'aquis communautaire'); local authorities, business and professional organisations; networking; policy research, technical assistance, training, public awareness.
International Centre for Minority Studies and Intercultural Relations*, Sofia, Bulgaria (IMIR)
Contact Person: International Projects and International Relations Coordinator Marko Hajdinjak Tel: +359 283-23112/24044 Fax: +359 2 9310-583
Media Contact: International Projects and International Relations Coordinator Marko Hajdinjak Tel: +359 283-23112/24044 Fax: +359 2 9310-583 http://www.imir-bg.org
(* Associate member)
The International Center for Minorities Studies and Intercultural Relations, Sofia, was founded in April 1992 in co-operation with the Centre for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Birmingham, UK, and the Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations, Warwick, UK. Its activity is focused on interdisciplinary studies and applied research into cultural, ethnic and religious diversity in South-Eastern Europe and in a broader context in the Mediterranean region; encouragement of the preservation, development and integration of each of the cultural communities.
Activities: Projects on emigration, ethno-cultural characteristics, new minorities, scientific forum, policy books, research forum on immigration and scientific issues, EU programme on regionalism.
iDEMO Institute for Democracy*, Zagreb, Croatia (iDEMO)
Contact Person: Deputy Director Simona Goldstein Tel: +385 14855576 Fax: +385 14856459
Media Contact: Branimira Mrak Tel: +385 14855576 Fax: +385 14856459 http://www.idemo.hr
(* Associate member)
iDEMO Institute for Democracy is a newly formed Croatian non-governmental organisation, which aims to encourage the development and advancement of democracy. It was created in response to the need for greater independent in-depth analysis of democratic processes and the complex issues associated with the promotion of democracy. As a result, iDEMO focuses its activities on research, advocacy, and the development of sound public policy.
While its principal focus is Croatia, iDEMO intends to create projects and extend its activities to other regions of the world, as need arises.
MISSION
The primary goal of iDEMO is to trigger political, economic, and social paradigm shifts, increasing the overall prosperity of the region. In particular, iDEMO endeavours to forge a stronger link between the private, public and NGO sectors; to promote active civil society; to encourage socially responsible public and business sectors; and to build greater confidence in Croatian, European and multilateral institutions.
CORE AREAS OF INTEREST
* Media
* Education
* Economic freedom and entrepreneurship
* Rule of law
* Transparency of political processes
* Decreased marginalisation of minority groups.
OBJECTIVES
iDEMO hopes to obtain social, political, and economic change through the following actions:
* Promotion of progressive social, political and economic openness and inclusion
* Research of relevant and accessible information and analysis
* Advocating for greater transparency and inclusion in political processes
* Endorsement of a more socially responsible business sector
* Exerting pressure on national and multilateral governing bodies and institutions
* Pursuing educational activities and mobilisation of public resources
* Development and strengthening of civil society organisations and networks
* Monitoring and assessment of public processes and policies.
EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, Prague, Czech Republic (EUROPEUM)
Contact Person: Executive Director Radomír Špok Tel: +420 221 610 206, 207 Fax: +420 221 610 204
Media Contact: Director David Král Tel: +420 221 610 206 Fax: +420 221 610 204 http://www.europeum.org
EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy is a non-profit, non-partisan and independent institute. It was founded in 1998 as a civic association on the initiative of the lecturers at the Department of European Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague. The aim was to provide a platform for young researchers and university students interested in various aspects of European integration to develop their potential and capacity.
EUROPEUM was built with the strong support of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Tempus programme of the European Commission. Over the past few years, it has evolved into a full-fledged think-tank that undertakes programme, project, publishing and training activities related to European integration matters. In this respect, the organisation was re-named EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy to reflect more its activities.
EUROPEUM focuses on the issues of European integration and on the transformation of political, economic and legal milieu in the Czech Republic arising thereof. EUROPEUM strives to contribute to the long-lasting development of democracy, security, stability, freedom and solidarity across Europe. EUROPEUM formulates opinions and offers alternatives to internal reforms in the Czech Republic with a view to ensuring her full-fledged membership and a respected position in the European Union.
Association for International Affairs*, Prague, Czech Republic (AMO)
Contact Person: Michal Thim Tel: +420 224 81 34 60 Fax: +420 224 81 34 60
Media Contact: Václav Duda Tel: +420 224 81 34 60 Fax: +420 224 81 34 60 http://www.amo.cz
(* Associate member)
The Association for International Affairs (Asociace pro mezinárodní otázky, AMO) is a Czech non-governmental organisation that conducts research, and hosts educational programmes in the fields of international affairs, foreign policy and security studies. The Association's primary regional focus is on the Czech Republic and Europe.
AMO (previously CARMS - Czech Association for the Advancement of International Cooperation) was established in 1995, and renamed as AMO in 1999. AMO is currently one of the leading institutions of its kind in the Czech Republic.
It is increasingly important in today's rapidly evolving society to remain engaged in events occurring in all regions of the world. Through a series of projects, AMO influences a wide spectrum of Czech society. One of AMO's long-term aspirations is to spur an interest in international affairs among the Czech population. AMO also facilitates the dissemination of information to the Czech public, so that citizens can form an educated opinion on current international issues.
The AMO agenda is based on two fundamental pillars - education and research - that create a framework for mutually supportive projects.
The primary educational programme is the Prague Student Summit (PSS). PSS is a prestigious meeting of students from all over the Czech Republic, who are actively interested in international relations. In 2006-07, for the first time in history, Czech students, both high school and university, were provided with the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of high-level, diplomatic negotiations of three key international organisations: the United Nations, the European Union and NATO.
The research pillar is represented by the AMO Research Center. Founded in October 2003, the AMO Research Center concentrates on activities dedicated to carrying out research into, and raising public awareness about, international affairs and Czech and European security and foreign policy. In recognition of the absence of such an institution in the Czech Republic, the Research Center has been built to conduct independent and expert research in the field of international relations and to extend co-operation with partner institutions abroad.
PRAXIS Center for Policy Studies, Tallinn, Estonia (PRAXIS)
Contact Person: Chairman Ain Aaviksoo Tel: +372 640 9000 Fax: +372 640 9001
Media Contact: Chairman Ain Aaviksoo Tel: +372 640 9000 Fax: +372 640 9001 http:///www.praxis.ee
Praxis Centre for Policy Studies, Tallinn, is an independent, non-profit research centre. Its mission is to improve and contribute to the policy-making process in Estonia by carrying out public policy research and fostering public debate.
Activities: labour, social and education policy; public finance, economic competitiveness project, mental health services, NGO statistics, EU projects, ICT, and raising awareness in relation to EU accession.
Institute for Policy Studies, Tbilisi, Georgia (IPS)
Contact Person: Co-director George Tarkhan-Mouravi Tel: +995 32 912 743 Fax: +995 32 220 060
Media Contact: Co-director George Tarkhan-Mouravi Tel: +995 32 347263 Fax: +995 32 220060 http://www.ips.ge
IPS, founded in 1992, is focused on promoting contemporary public policy concepts and practices in Georgia, and provides a forum for substantive dialogue between representatives of different branches of the government, the civil sector and the Georgian public.
Specialisation in: regional conflicts, democratic participation and integration of minorities, population migration, internally displaced persons and refugees, European and Euro-Atlantic integration, regional stability and co-operation, models of security arrangements, good governance, harmonisation of centre-periphery relations, strategy for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development, Tbilisi, Georgia (CIPDD)
11th floor0193 Tbilisi Georgia
Contact Person: Tina Tkeshelashvili Tel: +995 32 33 40 81 Fax: +995 32 33 41 63
Media Contact: Chairman David Aprasidze, Tina Tkeshelashvili Tel: +995 93 36 28 38 Fax: +995 995 32 33 41 63 http://www.cipdd.org
The Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development (CIPDD) is a public policy think-tank, specialising in democracy development. CIPDD, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, was founded in 1992 in Tbilisi, Georgia.
It advocates policy goals such as the development of a vibrant and diverse civil society, effective and accountable public institutions based on the rule of law, and an integrated political community, which at the same time respects and preserves identities of different ethnic and religious communities in Georgia. It also supports Georgia's integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions as strategic goals of our society. CIPDD seeks to contribute to the implementation of these goals through producing relevant and high-quality public policy documents, and encouraging a pluralistic and informed public policy debate in Georgia.
ACTIVITIES
Public policy research, publishing and disseminating its results, and organising different forms of debate - professional, political or public - around this work. In addition, CIPDD is involved in advocacy efforts, including public advocacy and lobbying, and training related to its work.
The main geographical area where CIPDD operates is Georgia. However, CIPDD sees great value in co-operation with organisations in countries of the South Caucasus, Black Sea and Balkan regions as well as worldwide.
CIPDD STRATEGY AND THEMATIC PRIORITIES
In 2006-2009, CIPDD's main strategic priorities include:
1. Civil integration in the context of ethnic and confessional pluralism
2. Development of functional and democratic institutions
3. Development of a political dialogue and improvement of the policy development process
CIPDD RESOURCES
www.caucasusjournalists.net - a common Internet page for journalists and researchers, publishers and media of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The website was developed within the joint project of the Research Center "Region" (Yerevan), CIPDD and the Azerbaijani Committee for Journalists' Protection (RUH, Baku).
www.pankisi.info - Georgian-Russian analytical website, developed in cooperation with the Centre for Journalism in Extreme Situations
www.partiebi.ge - Georgian political parties' website created within the joint project of CIPDD, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD) and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
Center for Policy Studies at the Central European University, Budapest, Hungary (CPS - CEU)
Contact Person: Andrew Cartwright, Agnes Batory Tel: +36 1 327 3118 Fax: +36 1 235 6170
Media Contact: Assistant Professor and Research Fellow Agnes Batory Tel: +36 1 327 3000 ext. 2610 Fax: +36 1 235 6170 http://cps.ceu.hu
Center for Policy Studies, CEU, Budapest, was established at the Central European University in Budapest in March 2000. It performs policy research and advocacy related to issues central to the mission of building open societies. The centre promotes public debate by supporting quality research and disseminating the results in accessible formats. Its aim is to improve the policy environment in the region by diversifying the sources of public policy inputs. CPS research programmes deal with the following areas: good governance, social diversity and equal opportunities, bridging knowledge and policy, globalisation, European integration and policy-making, economic culture, and rural development.
The work of the CPS includes the Policy Documentation Center, a free-to-use online collection of policy papers written by think-tanks and policy analysts from Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Updated every week and organised in six subject headings, the PDC currently holds more than 1,300 papers from more than 60 institutions, offering a unique resource for anyone interested in public policy across the region.
Activities: Projects on the Fifth and Sixth EU Framework Programmes on education and training (FP 5 and FP 6), fellowship programme, masters on public policy, online library.
Local Government Initiative Development Limited, Budapest, Hungary (LGID)
Contact Person: Executive Assistant/Project Co-ordinator, Judit Kovacs, Director of Development Gabor Peteri Tel: +36 1 327 3100 ext. 2359 Fax: +36 1 327 3105
Media Contact: Gabor Peteri Tel: +36 1 327 3100 ext. 2359 Fax: +36 1 327 3105 http://www.lgidev.com
Local Government Initiative Development Limited (LGI Development Ltd.) is a not-for-profit consulting company. LGID's mission is to promote democratic and effective governance, focusing on decentralisation, public administration reform and modernisation of the public sector.
Activities: LGID provides consulting and development services, and manages training and research programmes.
Central Eastern European University Network - Transition Studies World Applied Research*, Venice, Italy (CEEUN-TSWAR )
University of Venice Ca' Foscari,
DSE, 873 San Giobbe
30121 Venice Italy
Contact Person: Co-ordinator Giorgio Dominese Tel: +39 335 571 43 44 Fax: +39 334 666 88 94
Media Contact: Co-ordinator Giorgio Dominese Tel: +39 335 571 43 44 Fax: +39 334 666 88 94 http://www.springer.co.at/files_sgw/CEEUN_Info_September2007.pdf
(* Associate member)
http://www.economia.uniroma2.it/EEBL/teachingExams.asp
In 2002, CEEUN-Transition Studies World Applied Research was established as a network of co-operation among international university institutions and research centres on a wide range of issues and innovative projects. It was promoted by a group of Italian university institutes, departments and research centres: OSSFI- Finance, Banking and Enterprise Observatory, Udine University; ICETS-International Institute for Transition Studies, Luiss University Rome and Trieste University; CNEAS-Center for North East and Adriatic Studies, Venice; ITDO-International Transition Studies Observatory, University Ca' Foscari, Venice. The constitutive meeting took place in Vienna, at the WIFO-Austrian Institute of Economic Research, with the participation of nearly 40 institutions.
Since the launch, more than 400 faculty members, researchers and experts at an international level, belonging to 80 research institutions in 22 countries, have been co-operating in the CEEUN-TSWAR initiative.
The development of programmes has been accompanied by the completion of the network architecture and Transition Studies Review (http://www.springerlink.com/content/1614-4015/), the Network scientific "voice" hosting papers and articles submitted by the partners. The Journal is a quarterly, published in English by Springer Wien New York, and is focused on transition research in central and south-east Europe, the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions, Russia, Central Asia, Ukraine, Caucasus and, more recently, South and Central America and Asia. Starting with the April 2008 issue, there has been a change to the layout, the contents and the structure of the review, which represents the scientific voice of the network. Almost 300 papers were submitted, of which 126 were published in the 10 issues published with Springer-Wien New York from 2004-2007.
The publisher will assist in the future also in efforts to accomplish further market penetration of the journal and to reach an even increasing circle of faculty and specialists in the various research areas engaging the network's scientific efforts. Together with the journal, a special agreement has been established with Springer, reserved for CEEUN-TSWAR's partners willing to author their own books with the publisher. This represents a new opportunity offered to all the faculty, experts and specialists co-operating within our programmes.
CEEUN-TSWAR was founded with the aim of connecting a group of experts and university faculty in a programme of co-operation devoted to research programmes and specialised international postgraduate and doctoral courses. The network has evolved to concentrate on specific areas of research and systematic participation in the international programmes promoted by the EU, World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), and the other multilateral and national co-operation action plans and programmes devoted to the emerging regions in transition.
CEEUN-TSWAR, involving now more than 500 internationally well-known members and 95 university departments, institutes and research centres, is engaged in many areas and programmes. The scientific interests and fields cover: Europe and the World, future EU enlargement, the European and international economic framework and impact, where it focuses especially on investment, foreign trade, finance, banking, research, innovation and technology, human capital, development, social policies, insurance, international relations and security, monetary policy, environment and climate, culture and society, juridical and law studies, with a regional approach to the issues, peculiarities and critical challenges.
Furthermore, the network is deeply committed to a wide range of transition issues related to quantitative modelling and analyses of economic, financial, social, cultural, environmental, juridical and strategic studies applied research.
Public Policy Research Center, Almaty, Kazakhstan (PPRC)
Contact Person: Director Meruert Makhmutova Tel: +73 272 670 432, 670 340 Fax: +73 272 670 346
Media Contact: Meruert Makhmutova Tel: +73 272 670 340 Fax: +73 272 670 346 http://www.pprc.kz
PPRC-Kazakhstan is Kazakhstan's first independent public policy think-tank, and was established at the end of 2001. The Center carries out independent research, proposes alternative solutions to current problems, enhances communication between government and the public, and provides resources and support for policymakers and researchers in Kazakhstan and the region. PPRC-Kazakhstan has experience with the organisation of public events, conducting policy studies, creating expert groups, bringing issues to the attention of state authorities, providing training for public administration and NGO representatives.
Activities: Main areas are decentralisation and development of local self-government, analysis of land reform, analysis of economic policy, transparency of budget process and revenues from extractive industries.
Center for Public Policy, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (CPP)
Contact Person: Director of Programmes Sergey Masaulov Tel: +996 312 62 80 56 Fax: +996 312 62 49 18
Media Contact: Director of Programmes Sergey Masaulov Tel: +996 312 62 80 56 Fax: +996 312 62 49 18 http://www.ca-cpp.org
Mission:
Assistance to development of democracy and open society in Kyrgyzstan via implementation of public policy technologies into daily life.
Since its establishment in 2001, CPP has been implementing projects designed to protect the rights and promote the interests of civil society groups, based on public policy principles (agreement of interests of various groups and improvements in decision-making processes and legal norms). A requisite component of all projects is interaction between all sectors and communication between interest groups.
In addition, CPP participates in the development of the strategic plans of local communities (villages and towns), development based on the principles of agreement between different interest groups and the inclusion of the opinions of all members of local communities. CPP actively participates in the promotion of the idea of centres of local development and the creation of a national development network.
CPP actively works with state bodies (Presidential Administration, State Committee of Kyrgyz Republic on migration and employment, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Education, local government). Representatives of these structures participate in projects implemented by CPP as partners and experts. CPP works with other structures with regard to the Statute of the Kyrgyz President "On measures to widen co-operation, and normative establishment and implementation of co-operation, between state bodies, local self-government and civil society groups in Kyrgyzstan".
CPP is a member of "AgeNet" network, the National Educational Forum, and International network of centres of education policy.
CPP is a member of the working group for the development of the state programme on the means for regulation of migration processes in Kyrgyzstan up to 2010.
The priority activities of CPP are:
• Assistance to development of civil society institutes,
• Initiating and promoting dialogue between civil society and state, evaluation of state and other projects and programmes,
• Research in the format of public policy and promotion of modern management technologies in daily management at the local and national level,
• Protection of labour migrants, ethnic groups, consumer rights and freedoms,
• Assistance to the development of the education system in the context of changes taking place in Kyrgyzstan as a whole, and in the labour market in particular.
Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS, Riga, Latvia (PROVIDUS)
LV-1010 Riga Latvia
Contact Person: Director Vita Terauda Tel: +371 703 9261/62 Fax: +371 703 92 44
Media Contact: Director Vita Terauda Tel: +371 703 9261/62 Fax: +371 703 9244 http://www.providus.lv
PROVIDUS participates in policy framing with its own programmes, expertise and opinion-shaping activities. Priority areas for PROVIDUS include: criminal justice reform, strengthening the rule of law, anti-corruption initiatives, education policy. PROVIDUS hosts an online policy resource dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of policy debate in Latvia - http://www.politika.lv and http://www.policy.lv
Specific activities include: alternative sentencing, bail supervision programmes, restorative justice, monitoring political party financing, monitoring the use of EU structural funds, administrative remedies, multicultural education.
International Centre for European Culture Euro Balkan Institute, Skopje, Macedonia (Euro-Balkan)
Contact Person: Tome Smilevski Tel: +389 2 307 5570 Fax: +389 2 307 5570 ext.102
Media Contact: Tome Smilevski Tel: +389 2 307 5570 Fax: +389 2 307 5570 ext.102 http://www.euba.org.mk
EuroBalkan Institute, Skopje, is a non-governmental, non-partisan and non-profit think-tank. Its mission is dissemination and implementation of EU ideas and policies, and promotion of transatlantic co-operation and interdependence. EuroBalkan strives to contribute to the sustainable development of the Republic of Macedonia. EuroBalkan advocates regional co-operation, integration and the development of an authentic European identity, culture and civil society in the Balkans. EuroBalkan drafts complex analyses for policymakers and provides support for divergent new NGO activities and the emergence of similar institutions.
Activities: centre for public administration and public policy: training for civil servants, centre for research, gender studies, inter-regional co-operation.
Center for Research and Policy Making, Skopje, Macedonia (CRPM)
Contact Person: Programme Director Zhidas Daskalovski Tel: +389 2 3134 085, 2 3216 645 (6) Fax: +389 2 321664
Media Contact: Zhidas Daskalovski Tel: +389 2 3134 085, 2 3216 645 (6) Fax: +389 2 321664 http://www.crpm.org.mk
The Center for Research and Policy making (CRPM) is an independent, non-profit research and policy institute, created in recognition of the pressing need for independent, impartial, in-depth analysis of the complex issues involved in promoting stability and prosperity in Macedonia. CRPM aims to produce independent, timely research and challenging policy analysis that will facilitate the monitoring and critical scrutiny of policy-making processes in Macedonia.
The goal of CRPM is to invigorate the public policy process in Macedonia by increasing the information base on socio-economic developments, increasing public and government awareness of pressing socio-economic issues, and contributing to contemporary policy debates through new empirical research, and objective and thorough analysis. CRPM seeks to promote stability, democratisation, full respect for human rights of all groups, and economic development of the country and the region by increasing the awareness in government and the general public of contemporary social and economic issues, and promoting debate on issues of importance to Macedonia.
Activities
1. Through research and comparative analysis of existing resources, legacies, and specific development potentials, an analysis was conducted of the socio-economic situation in two Macedonian municipalities: Shtip and Gostivar. An assessment of the comparative advantages of the two municipalities is planned.
2. Fostered debates on issues that are important for the development and growth of several economic sectors, such as textiles, trade and agriculture.
3. Analysed the current policy measures and the environment for change in the health and pensions policy area, and recommended several solutions to complement the Government's efforts to restructure and commence rationalisation of the public health and pension schemes.
4. Publication of a Citizens' Guidebook to Budget Monitoring. The decentralisation of finances has enhanced the need to increase the accountability of municipal authorities when using public money. For fiscal transparency to be realised, effective public participation is required: the budget process must be opened for interested parties to influence the budget and assess whether government/local authorities undertake what has been planned.
Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) "Viitorul", Chisinau, Moldova (IDIS "Viitorul")
Contact Person: Executive Director Dr Igor Munteanu, Social Policy Coordinator Olesea Cruc Tel: +373 2 21 09 32, 21 36 32, 22 71 30, 22 18 44 Fax: +373 2 21 09 32
Media Contact: Executive Director Dr Igor Munteanu Tel: +373 2 21 09 32 Fax: +373 2 21 09 32 http://www.viitorul.org
The mission of the IDIS is to contribute to the growth of an independent thinking environment in Moldova and in other emerging democracies; to contribute to the strengthening of local and regional governments; to assist the expansion of the civil society in which the citizens act together to express their own interests, to exchange information and to strive for mutual goals and influence government.
Institute for Public Policy, Chisinau, Moldova (IPP)
Contact Person: Director Arcadie Barbarosie Tel: +37322 276785 Fax: +37322 276786
Media Contact: Arcadie Barbarosie Tel: +37322 276785 Fax: +37322 276786 http://www.ipp.md
Institute for Public Policy (IPP), Chisinau, is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organisation, committed to the values of individual liberty, democratic society, rule of law, and a free-market economy. Through research, publications, policy recommendations and public forums, the Institute provides political and business circles, and the academic community and media leadership, with in-depth analysis of public policy issues confronting our society in order to improve the policymaking process. Soros Foundation Moldova and the Euro-Atlantic Centre from Moldova established the Institute for Public Policy in April 2000.
Activities: EU integration, conflict resolution, education reform, national and regional security.
Expert-Grup, Chisinau, Moldova
Contact Person: Executive Director Valeriu Prohnitski Tel: +373 22 21 15 99, 22 93 00 14 Fax: +373 22 21 15 99
Media Contact: Iulia Sirghi Tel: +373 22 21 15 99, 22 92 17 76 Fax: +373 22 21 15 99 http://www.expert-grup.org
Expert-Grup is an independent think-tank in the Republic of Moldova. The think-tank does not have political affiliations and does not pursue commercial aims. Expert-Grup determines independently its institutional strategy. It is specialised in research, consulting and training in the area of social and economic policies.
MISSION
The mission of the Expert-Grup is to contribute to the economic, political and social development of the Republic of Moldova as well as to support consolidation of its international competitiveness. This mission is accomplished by delivering top-quality analytical services, and promoting efficient, transparent and innovative models in economic and social policy.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Expert-Grup possesses knowledge and extensive experience in the following areas:
• Development strategies
• Macroeconomics and economic systems
• Global economy and international economic relations
• Economy of the European integration
• Monetary and fiscal policies
• Labour economy, management and business culture
• Consumer behaviour
• Industrial economics
• Economy of health and education
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
• Provide customers with relevant data and analysis on economic and social trends and policies.
• Assist central government and local public authorities in the decision-making process and promote innovative development models.
• Inform general public regarding the most important economic and social trends in the country.
RECENT PROJECTS AND ANALYSIS
Since January 2008: Trade Relations of Republic of Moldova with European Union: Current Situation and Perspectives for Strengthening.
Since January 2008: Analysis of economic situation and development potential of the Gagauzian autonomous territorial unit of the Republic of Moldova.
Since April 2007: State of the Country Report - Contribution of the Civil Society to Development Policies and Good Governance in the Republic of Moldova.
January 2006 - February 2008, in partnership with Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT: European Union-Republic of Moldova Action Plans - Making Document Accessible for the Public.
July 2006 - June 2007, in partnership with the UNDP: Promoting Social Corporate Responsibility and Launching the UN Global Compact in Republic of Moldova.
December 2006 - May 2007, in partnership with the Czech consultancy company EEIP: Consolidating Economic Relations by establishing a Moldovan - Czech Partnership.
November 2005 - November 2006: National Human Development Report 2006: Quality of Economic Growth and its Impact on Human Development.
Institute of Public Affairs, Warsaw, Poland (ISP)
