Research

The ISS is organised in four staff groups that coincide with the Institute’s Research Programme:

• Economics of Sustainable Development Research in staff group 1 focuses on two themes related to income distribution and poverty reduction: the impact of economic reform, trade liberalisation and international finance on economic growth; and the effect of human capital and natural resource use on long-term economic growth and development.

• States, Societies and World Development Research in staff group 2 concentrates on changing state and society relations in the context of globalisation. This includes studies on the roles and potential of states, markets and civil society agents in local, national, international and global development processes.

• Human Resources and Local Development Research in staff group 3 focuses on processes and policies of socioeconomic restructuring of production and reproduction. It pays particular attention to the changing configuration of labour and gender relations, and their implications for employment, income generation and livelihood.

• Rural Development, Environment and Population Studies Research in staff group 4 is concerned with agricultural and rural development and transformation. It focuses in particular on problems of rural poverty, environmental degradation and resource conflicts, and the restructuring of rural production and livelihoods in the context of globalisation.

This diversity of research topics at the ISS is illustrated by the plurality of the academic staff publications and PhD profiles and theses subjects. The Institute provides a stimulating intellectual environment with various ongoing events such as conferences and workshops.

CERES Research School ISS is a leading member of CERES (Centre for Resource Studies for Development), the Dutch Research School that focuses on issues of development. Its research reflects a strong applied orientation and contributes to discussions of policy alternatives. All ISS PhD students participate in the School’s activities, which include special courses and workshops, which provide an opportunity to interact with PhD students from other universities in the Netherlands.

ISS Research Centres: CESTRAD The ISS Centre for the Study of Transition and Development (CESTRAD) is a specialised unit for research, policy analysis and training on the economics and politics of transition. CESTRAD is a platform for policy analysts and researchers from government agencies and civil society organisations in transition and OECD countries.

iCCYS The international Centre for Child and Youth Studies (iCCYS) is a specialised unit for training, research and policy analysis, established by ISS and International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI) in Leiden. iCCYS’s activities focus on the needs of children and youth in developing, transitional and developed societies. The Centre collaborates with NGOs, government agencies and research institutions and is active in international partnership networks.

Partnerships Over the years, ISS has concluded several agreements for international cooperation with institutes in both developed and developing countries. Traditionally, it has set itself the following five objectives:

• to strengthen cooperation among institutions operating in the field of development issues and studies

• to increase the exchange of knowledge, information, and experiences

• to engage in joint research programmes and the joint delivery of teaching and policy analysis

• to strengthen dialogue for development

• to strengthen regional and sub-regional integration

Capacity development is a key area for ISS outreach. It strengthens institutions and assists in bridging the knowledge gap. Capacity development and advisory projects have generally been undertaken in collaboration with overseas partners. Local ownership and demand-orientation are the main principles underpinning institutional capacity development. ISS project activities in this field include teaching inputs, contract research, policy advice on a wide range of issues, and the appraisal, formulation, evaluation and monitoring of development programmes and projects. The Institute’s capacity development and advisory projects are connected with teaching and research, complementing and reinforcing one another.