Supporting Armenia’s Policy Development and Research
2 min readYEREVAN, Armenia — On April 23, 2021, the American University of Armenia (AUA) held a webinar to present and discuss the findings from several Policy Development and Research Fund (PDRF) projects. The policy topics researched were identified by the Government of the Republic of Armenia, and the research projects were made possible through the financial support of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The speakers of the webinar included local and international scholars and researchers. The research projects covered the following policy areas:
- COVID-19 impact on the labor market of Armenia;
- Making active labor market policy work: international best practices;
- Developing local municipal solid waste management planning guidelines and training needs.
The PDRF initiative aims at creating favorable national conditions for the development of more effective government policies and reforms through empirical research, that also considers international best practices and is supported by a transparent and independent process of appropriate stakeholder involvement. The PDRF fund was administered by a Panel consisting of members appointed by the Government of Armenia and AUA. Through the Panel, the Government identified specific policy areas in need of academic research support. The Fund used the same procedures, administrative capacity, model, and framework already set up for the Manoogian Simone Research Fund, which was the inspiration and original idea that evolved to PDRF.
Through its robust design, this grant opportunity has contributed to building and enhancing capacity within the Armenian academic research community, particularly with respect to developing innovative solutions to high-priority problems identified by the Government.
“Last year was a year of difficult times and challenges for Armenia — COVID-19 pandemic, war, and the post-war situation in the country. However, the hope and desperate desire to be a humble supporter of the country’s recovery has made this project complete with success. It is especially now more than ever that we need to join our efforts to support the country in overcoming the socio-economic hardships through various initiatives such as policy development and research,” asserted AUA President Dr. Karin Markides in her opening remarks at the webinar.
PDRF has been a synergistic initiative that has successfully brought together academia and government to produce innovative policy solutions through applied research while building a sustainable research capacity in Armenia.
The recording of the webinar is available in English and Armenian.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.