Center for Social and Economic Research is an independent, non-profit research institute founded on the idea that research-based policy-making is vital for the economic welfare of societies. Established in Warsaw in 1991, CASE today is recognized as the top think tank in Central and Eastern Europe and is one of the most highly regarded think tanks internationally. CASE carries out policy-oriented research and development assistance projects, specializing in the areas of growth and trade, fiscal policy, labor/social policy/demography, and innovation/energy/climate. Drawing on an experienced in-house staff, a network of fellows, and a database of approximately 1,000 experts, CASE provides rigorous quantitative and qualitative analyses, innovative methodologies, and sound recommendations.
History
Center for Social and Economic Research was established in August 1991 when 10 economists, involved in the process of economic transformation in Poland, signed the founding act of a new private research institution. By December 1991 the court approved the institution and almost immediately CASE became involved in analyzing and assisting economic reforms in most of the post-communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe and former USSR. Starting in 1998, CASE began to build a network of CASE daughter organizations in other transition countries, and spread its scope of activity more broadly. It continued to build a network of partnerships and alliances with other research institutes and consulting companies inside and outside Europe throughout the early 2000.
In December 2000 the CASE Supervisory Council took a strategic decision to transform CASE into a truly international think-tank with a mission focusing on problems of European integration, post-communist transition and global economy. In line with its new strategic direction, in mid 2000s, CASE continued to establish its international competencies by undertaking a broader development agenda in other geographic regions such as Middle East and North Africa.
In order to secure its financial stability and intellectual independence, CASE has always sought for multiplicity and diversification of its founding sources. Historically, CASE research and technical assistance projects have been financed from various sources such as the European Commission, World Bank, UN agencies, USAID, OSI network, Ford Foundation, public authorities and private corporations in several countries.
