ACADEMIC RESEARCH IS NECESSARY FOR MAKING QUALITY POLICIES BASED ON SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE
On Friday, April 12th, at the University of Sarajevo – School of Economics and Business (SEBS), a workshop for teaching staff titled "The Role of Academic Research in Informing Evidence-Based Policy Making" was held. The workshop was organized by the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Policy Evaluation and Research at SEBS in cooperation with the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) and the USAID Mission in BiH.
The workshop, focusing on the role of academic research in informing evidence-based policies, aims to explore and emphasize the crucial link between rigorous academic research and the development of effective evidence-based policies. Through discussions, case studies, and interactive sessions, participants discussed how scientific research contributes to the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies addressing societal challenges, and how evidence-based policy-making can be strengthened in symbiosis with academic research. This was also an opportunity to offer participants additional knowledge and tools needed to promote informed and impactful policy decisions based on good research practices.
The keynote speakers were professors from universities in BiH and Europe: prof. dr. Hatidža Jahić, University of Sarajevo – School of Economics and Business, prof. dr. Tomaz Ponce Dentinho, University of the Azores, Portugal, and the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Regional Science Policy and Practice, prof. dr. Ana Viñuela, University of Oviedo, Spain, and prof. dr. Erblin Berisha, University of Turin and the Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy.
The workshop was opened by prof. dr. Amila Pilav Velić, Vice-Dean for Research and Projects at SEBS and founder of CoE, Muamer Mahmutović, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Sarajevo Canton, and Savannah ThomasArrigo, representative of the USAID Mission in BiH.
Prof. dr. Amila Pilav-Velić highlighted the significance and purpose of the workshop in her introductory remarks: “This workshop is one of our initiatives in promoting evidence-based policy making in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Research is the backbone of progress. It challenges our understanding, pushes boundaries, and lays the foundation for the innovations of tomorrow. Today, we have a diverse range of topics and disciplines on the agenda, showcasing the depth and breadth of research endeavors in our community. Throughout the day, we'll have the opportunity to dive deeply into these research fields, engage in stimulating discussions, and foster collaborations that can potentially shape the future. I would like to extend special thanks to the USAID mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina for being the first to recognize the importance of research and the use of primary data in the context of policy creation, public policies, and instrument design. With their support, we established a center, conducted several studies, published papers, and what I consider particularly important, conducted the largest business survey to date, covering nearly 900 companies, including all significant aspects of the business environment. I would also like to thank the Chamber of Commerce of the Sarajevo Canton, which, I can freely say, is one of the few institutions that truly understands the importance of research and provides us with continuous support".
Savannah ThomasArrigo emphasized USAID's commitment to supporting these activities: "We wholeheartedly support events like today's gathering, which serve as crucial platforms for researchers and academics from across the Western Balkans to come together, exchange insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions to pressing issues. Through such collaborative efforts, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to realizing the shared vision of a prosperous and inclusive future for Bosnia and Herzegovina, where evidence-based policy-making and academic excellence play pivotal roles in driving sustainable development and fostering positive societal change."
The main goal of this workshop was to mobilize and nurture talent across the Western Balkans, publish a special issue of the journal on sustainable regional development and European integration in the Western Balkans, and support RSAI in establishing regional scientific branches in the Western Balkans.
University of Sarajevo - School of Economics and Business
The gallery is available HERE.