Research Program

Focus on Development

• Thematic Focus 1: Macroeconomic policy
• Thematic Focus 2: Monetary policy
• Thematic Focus 3: Fiscal policy
• Thematic Focus 4: Social policy (with focus on poverty reduction)
• Thematic Focus 5: Real sector of economy
• Thematic Focus 6: Institutional reform

• Policy relevance
• Demand- / priority-driven nature of research
• Comparative advantage of CER in the given field

Research Project 1: Formulation of Welfare Improvement Strategy for Uzbekistan (WIS)

• Research hypothesis: Economic growth in Uzbekistan currently does not sufficiently impact the population’s welfare improvement. To resolve this issue it is necessary to: (i) accelerate economic growth rate, and (ii) ensure pro-poor economic growth
• Analytical approach: The strategy covers the 2007-2010 period. Information sources: national statistical data, results of relevant sociological surveys, national and sectoral studies conducted by UNDP and other international organizations.
• Timeline: 2006-2007
• Target audience: Government of Uzbekistan, IFIs, private sector and civil society at large.
• Output: The strategy will provide a complex of measures for improving the population’s welfare.

Research Project 2: Transport sector development in Uzbekistan: modernization and integration into international distribution networks

• Research hypothesis: Transport sector potentially constrains economic growth in Uzbekistan. Competitiveness of transport sector of Uzbekistan is low though the existing infrastructure is rather good. Uzbekistan is viewed as a potential transit country in Central Asia.
• Analytical approach: Statistical data analysis and interviews with key stakeholders in transport sector. Qualitative research on factors that impede transport sector development.
• Timeline: March 2007 – July 2007
• Target audience: Government
• Output: Sectoral study for Uzbekistan’s WIS

Research Project 3: Main directions of reforming the civil service in Uzbekistan

• Research hypothesis: Civil service reform will ensure effectiveness of transformations within political and administrative reform and secure transition towards long-term strategic planning of the national policy.
• Analytical approach: Study of international experience in the given field. Analysis of relevant official statistical data. Analysis of legislative and regulative documents directly or indirectly related to civil service. Informal interviews with civil servants.
• Timeline: December 2006 - June 2007
• Target audience: Government, Parliament.
• Output: Support to civil service reform in Uzbekistan