Development of Regional Analytical Centers

About this grant

Regional research and analytical institutions, or think tanks, can play a vital role in making sure that Ukrainian citizens’ concerns and preferences factor into the election process. They have a broader view of the political, social and economic conditions in their regions and, therefore, can better transform their needs into specific requirements for the platforms of nominated officials. However, regional think tanks often have limited access to information and the media and lack effective techniques for policy input and influence on representatives.Funding will support efforts to stimulate the active participation of regional think tanks to ensure a fair and transparent presidential election in 2004. Objectives will include choosing six of the most capable Ukrainian think tanks in different regions of the country; organizing short-term training courses for their experts; conducting joint sociological surveys on voter issues; preparing a general analytical report covering all Ukrainian regions; holding a public forum; publishing the results of elections monitoring through national and regional media; and monitoring the newly-elected president’s actions vis-a-vis campaign promises and regional needs.The Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies, founded in 1994, conducts research and analytical studies in various areas and formulates policy choices based on the promotion and protection of Ukraine’s national interests.