The Centre for Economic and Financial Research (CEFIR) at New Economic School (NES) is an independent economic policy think tank established in Russia in 2000. In order to strengthen institutional capacity, better utilize available resources, and enhance the quality of economics education and policy research in Russia, in 2005 CEFIR and NES formed a strategic alliance. Thus, remaining legally and formally an independent organization, CEFIR has functionally become a part of NES.

Mission Brief:

The main task of CEFIR - economic research to promote economic and social development of Russia. They use the most modern scientific methods to analyze the consequences of the decisions in the field of economic and social policies and offer ideas and recommendations to the Russian society, business and the government. 

The mission deployed:

The main task of CEFIR - economic research to promote economic and social development of Russia. They use the most modern scientific methods to analyze the consequences of the decisions in the field of economic and social policies and offer ideas and recommendations to the Russian society, business and the government.

• CEFIR conducts research in economics and related disciplines, addressing the most important problems of Russia. They carry out analysis of the problems of economic policy on the basis of the latest achievements of economic science.
• CEFIR presents the results of public research, the media and the public authorities. The primary measure of success for us are the practical results of the implementation of the ideas and recommendations developed at the Center.
• CEFIR is an integral part of the Russian and world economics. 
• They aim to become a leading research center in the field of economic policy in developing and transition economies and one of the global leaders in the economy of institutional change research.

Basic principles of CEFIR:

• Independence, objectivity and validity of the economic analysis. 
• The urgency of the research on the socio-economic development of Russia.
• High quality research. 
• Transparency, openness and readiness for dialogue.
• Strict ethical standards.

Practical consequences for CEFIR strategy:

CEFIR is to maintain international quality level of scientific and applied research. CEFIR conducts research only in those areas in which there is an opportunity to achieve this level of quality. The main competitive advantage CEFIR - high quality researchers and research infrastructure. 

CEFIR has no formal institutional position on economic policy. CEFIR researchers are individually responsible for their positions and expressed opinions. 

CEFIR portfolio should include projects that are of particular importance for the economic and social development of Russia, both in the short and long term. CEFIR project portfolio and results dissemination strategy must be flexible and result in a maximum effect. 

CEFIR is to cooperate with the media, civil society, academic institutions and communities and the government. 
CEFIR is to keep track of their influence on economic policy and scientific debate. 

CEFIR employees must adhere to international ethical standards in their activities.