The Institute for Contemporary Studies (ICS) is a private, independent public policy institute which aims to promote the development of market economy, efficient and transparent government, individual freedom and democracy in Albania. It undertakes research and policy participation by offering ideas and policy alternatives and making them known to the general public and interested groups.
ICS’s key areas of research include:
- Socio-economic Issues: development of the micro-business, assessment of the economic and social development level of the north-eastern part of Albania, study on the regional development of Lishnja and Permet, environment and privatisation issues in Albania, development of the financial and capital markets in Albania
- Civil Society Program: support of business associations through training courses for businesses and promotion of a dialog among businesses and institutions regarding policy aspects
- Institution Building and Administration Reform: local government decentralization and autonomy, corruption, institutional relations in public education, ombudsman, freedom of information and protection of personal data, monitoring of public administration
- European Studies: Seminar training with European and Albanian trainers of various groups such as public managers, journalists, NGOs and lecturers in order to promote acquaintance with European institutions, rules and developments
The website also features ICS’s future programs and projects, and on the “ICS Releases” page there is access to analyses, comments, and speeches in English.