Albanian Center for Economic Research (ACER)

The Albanian Center for Economic Research was the first non-governmental, non-profit organization to emerge in Albania after the political changes in 1991 aiming to promote economic reform in Albania by conducting independent research on economic growth and assisting in the creation of an adequate institutional framework for reform; advocating public policy making and legislative initiatives by encouraging public debate on several transition issues. The objectives of ACER are to advance educational and scientific profile and understanding, in the field of the promotion of free enterprises, limited government, and creating incentives for public administration reform and strengthening capacities of civil society by encouraging an open dialogue between scholars and policy makers and promotes public-private coalition building. The Center provides analysis of public attitudes toward the social and economic aspects of transition and promotes the strengthening of non-governmental sector to support Albanian's democratic progress, as well as the developing of networks and partnerships in the region and broadly. During the course of years, ACER has gained extensive experience in economic strategy development, public finance management, monitoring and evaluations of programmes and projects, social and economic impact assessment, as well as public awareness activities. Through its numerous research projects, ACER has been known for its accurate data collection, analysis, surveys and expertise in relevant issues. Close co-operation and involvement with counterpart agencies in many areas is an important value added to our research projects in relevant issues. Among main ACER' s partners and supporting organizations we can mention World Bank, USAID, EC Delegation, Freedom House, UNFPA, UNIFEM, IOM, Atlas Economic Research Foundation, Center for Study of Democracy, SOROS Foundation, International Center for Economic Growth, Center for International Private Enterprise, etc.