State Agencies and think tanks gathered together

Economic Research Center ( ERC) is implementing “Enhancing the effectiveness of government by strengthening the role of think tanks in decision-making arena” project funded by European Union (EU) and in partnership with Policy Association for an Open Society ( PASOS) and “Intelligent Citizen” Enlightenment Center (ICEC).
The aim of the project is to contribute to de-monopolizing public policy decisions in Azerbaijan by building institutional and research capacity of partner think tanks through increasing their responsible participation in inclusive policy making in the country.
On February 27, round table discussion was conducted aiming to develop relationships between think tanks and state agencies, identify their needs, assess current and feasible cooperation opportunities, and overall establish a dialogue on mutual and beneficial cooperation basis within the framework of the project. The representatives of partner think tanks and 17 state agencies attended to the discussion.
Initially, the project coordinator DunyaCamalova delivered opening remarks and briefly informed attendees about the project and goal of round table discussion. Afterwards, the member of ERC Management Board GubadIbadogludelivered presentation on implemented activities, and forthcoming objectives as well as current situation in terms of cooperation between think tanks and state agencies in Azerbaijan. He underlined that there is huge necessity in strengthening the activities of think tanks that will contribute to enhancement of state policy through progressive ideas stemmed from their socio-economic researches in Azerbaijan and this would be crucial amid post-peak period of oil revenues: “ By taking into account this factor, we are implementing this project to respond these needs”. According to G.Ibadoglu, there were 4 trainings, each 3 days, conducted for partner think tanks – “ Strategic Management in think-tanks”, “Increasing quality control for policy papers of Think-Tanks”, “ Strategic planning in think tanks” and “ Fundraising and accounting-policy in think tanks”. These trainings were conducted by experienced local and international experts. In addition, methodical support was provided to think tanks in organization of strategic management and quality control institutions. Moreover, round table discussion dedicated to presenting partner think tanks to business communities, including mutual cooperation opportunities was arranged.
After presentation of G.Ibadoglu the invitees discussed issues on situation related to development of think tanks and expansion of cooperation ties with state agencies in Azerbaijan. The representatives of State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, Jahangir Gocayev drew attention to right decision making in order to define appropriate state policy. Such decisions can be in the situation where the alternative thoughts and proposals are present.
The representative of the Ministry of Education, Elvin Rustamov underscored that the traditional funding mechanism of research centers in Azerbaijan does not allow to reap effective outcomes and therefore, it is inevitable to change this trend: “ You have started working on a very important field. State also accepts the importance of this matter and research centers had been already established within several organizations.” According to E.Rustamov it is impossible to acquire significant outcomes with current salaries.
Chief of institution at the Ministry of Taxes, Imran Garayev considers that those think tanks that desires to receive offers from the state should initially study its demand: “ There are plenty of activities should be carried out by think tanks in the field of “ Azerbaijan 2020” development concept initiated by the President of Azerbaijan. However, there is no any proposal received by any think tank in this direction.”
The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs NahidJavarov stated that think tanks contribute to formulation of foreign policy in Europe and the USA. According to him, think tanks of Azerbaijan should primarily study and analyze the working principles of Armenian diaspora in order to prepare proposals on foreign policy related to Nagorna Karabakh.
The round table continued with discussions.
For more information you can contact to project coordinator DünyaCamalovaon the following contacts.
Tel: +99412 4651847, E-mail: [email protected]