Call for Papers
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the world through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. Policy & Program Learning (PPL) is CIPE’s applied research unit that explores, among others, emerging strategic issues in policy reform and models of business leadership conducive with democracy that delivers.
Background
In 2021, CIPE launched a new applied research initiative to engage business leaders in emerging democracies with actionable knowledge on policy solutions for democratic free market systems. Key research findings in seven different papers highlight a deepening awareness among business and civic organizations of government overreach in curtailment of essential freedoms, and an uneven response to the needs of private sector during the COVID crisis. At the same time, the research shows that a new wave of business creativity is underway, as firms, big and small, reimagine the marketplace in a post-COVID world. But gaps in knowledge and lessons of success remain.
To this end, CIPE will build on last year’s initiative and commission another round of research papers that will identify models of collaboration between government, the private sector, and other stakeholders that strengthened democracy at a time of crisis and promoted private sector-led solutions to economic and business challenges. The following three themes provide to guide researchers to prepare their proposals. Questions under each theme must be considered alone in a single proposal and not combined with others. Researchers may submit proposals for more than one question.
I. Public procurement is one of the most vulnerable activities to various forms of corruption: bribery, embezzlement, fraudulent bid assessments, preferential treatment of certain firms, etc. The high costs of public procurement corruption have long been documented for taxpayers and for private market distortions. Research from OECD shows that private sector firms are key stakeholders in fighting corruption in public procurement. For example, by demanding transparency and accountability, businesses can strengthen the integrity and the transparency of the process.
§ Identify successful approaches where the private sector is involved in the process of increasing transparency and fighting corruption in public procurement. What policy, regulatory or business climate conditions enable and incentivize such firms to fight corruption in public procurement?
II. National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFC) are platforms conceived to coordinate interagency work in trade reform and facilitation, but a great number of them lack the capacity or the right structure or environment to be sustainable and successful in fulfilling their mission.
§ Explore effective examples where NTFCs are successful in coordinating interagency work in trade reform and facilitation. What structure, scope of work, funding, membership, etc. do effective NTFCs have that enables them to strengthen their capacity and have an impact on the dialogue and interagency work? Compare ineffectual NTFCs with successful ones and explore lessons and practices that work or don’t work.
General paper guidelines
Papers submitted must be original work and previously unpublished. All research and data analysis should rely on rigorous methodology, supported by quantitative and qualitative evidence and based on credible sources of information and case studies in developing/emerging markets. Researchers should present the information with a general audience in mind. The writing should be clear and efficient, free of excessive jargon, bureaucratese, legalese and/or academese. Use of graphical/visual presentation of data is expected, but they should be illustrative, making it easier for readers to follow. Overly technical models, if any, (i.e., regression, spatial analysis, etc.) should be placed in a technical appendix.
Following these guidelines, please submit the following documents by September 21, 2022:
a) An abstract (approximately 300 words) of the proposed topic and research methodology.
b) A CV and a sample research paper, preferably written for a general audience.
c) A budget proposal that includes a daily rate, number of billable days, and other expected related expenses incurred during research. The entire cost proposal should not exceed the maximum available funds of 12, 500 USD.
Selected applicants will be notified by October 1, 2022.
Minimum Qualifications
· Post-graduate degree, from an accredited institution of higher learning, in economics, public policy, business, international relations or other related fields
· A minimum of five years of research and writing experience in policy or economic reform, markets, entrepreneurship, democratic governance, corruption, etc., with a focus in emerging and/or transition economies.
· Strong commitment to ethical and professional standards of research.
Review process
The final research topic(s) will be determined through agreement between the selected researcher and PPL. Full terms, including scope of research, deliverables, and other terms will be specified in a contract or honorarium letter.
Researchers must submit an interim progress report by December 15, 2022
Researchers must submit the final report by February 28, 2023.
Please direct any inquiries to Mikra Krasniqi at mkrasniqi@cipe.org
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and journalists to build the civic institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include anti-corruption, advocacy, business associations, corporate governance, democratic governance, access to information, the informal sector and property rights, and women and youth.
