About ERDEC
Who we are
Economic Research, Development, and Education Center (ERDEC) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization based in Prishtina, Kosovo. Our mission is to deliver evidence-based solutions to address Kosovo’s socio-economic challenges. By conducting rigorous research and fostering dialogue, we transform knowledge and expertise into actionable insights that empower decision-makers to tackle Kosovo's pressing issues.
What we do
ERDEC is committed to enhancing the lives of Kosovo's citizens by driving policies and practices through innovative economic research. Through advocacy and implementation of research-backed recommendations, we aim to foster sustainable development across the following critical areas:
Empowering youth and strengthening local communities
Building a resilient labor market with quality job opportunities for all
Advancing sustainable development finance
Improving education and healthcare systems
Why we do it
We are very passionate about fostering development across the aforementioned areas and they are important to us for various reasons.
Empowering youth and strengthening local communities
By empowering youth and strengthening local communities, ERDEC aims to foster social capital and cultivate local leadership in Kosovo. We believe that youth are a key driver of sustainable development in Kosovo, and through research, training, and stakeholder engagement, we work to bring young people to the forefront of policy dialogue.
Equipping youth with the skills to navigate dynamic job markets, enhancing their adaptability to a rapidly changing environment, and increasing their engagement with decision-makers are all essential to building Kosovo’s economic resilience. Our advocacy for community development and local leadership supports active civic engagement and drives sustainable progress across Kosovo.
Building a resilient labor market with quality job opportunities for all
By fostering a resilient labor market with quality job opportunities for all, ERDEC aims to reduce social disparities and enhance social mobility in Kosovo. Strengthening the labor market is essential for reducing long-term unemployment and promoting stable, inclusive development.
Sustainable employment builds social capital and expands economic opportunities for everyone. A dynamic labor market with equitable job opportunities is the cornerstone of social inclusion, ensuring that growth benefits all income levels fairly.
Advancing sustainable development finance
By advancing the landscape for sustainable development finance, ERDEC aims to support long-term growth and equitable development across Kosovo. The interaction between Kosovo and development finance institutions plays a critical role in advancing the country’s strategic priorities, and we believe their involvement is essential for driving sustainable economic progress.
A sustainable financial model that effectively leverages debt ensures the alignment of government priorities with the country’s needs and international commitments, while also bringing Kosovo closer to EU integration. Sustainable development finance enables Kosovo to prioritize essential areas - such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability - while maintaining fiscal responsibility and laying a stable foundation for future growth.
Improving education and healthcare systems
By improving education and healthcare systems, ERDEC aims to support the drive for positive and sustainable development in Kosovo. Enhancing education is key to building human capital, which is essential for fostering economic growth and promoting social mobility. A well-educated workforce is not only more adaptable and productive but also better equipped to actively contribute to the economy.
Similarly, strengthening healthcare systems improves the overall well-being of the population, boosting productivity and increasing life expectancy. These improvements are vital for creating a more equitable society, reducing poverty, and ensuring the sustainable and effective development of Kosovo.
How we do it
At ERDEC, we drive sustainable development through:
Conducting research to understand Kosovo’s development needs
Collaborating with stakeholders to build broad support for solutions
Advocating for evidence-based policies that address Kosovo’s challenges
Building capacity to empower individuals and organizations with essential skills.
Our values
ERDEC is committed to transparency, diversity and professional and personal integrity. We value mutual respect and encourage respectful behavior.
We are non-partisan and have no political affiliation, bias or designation. Our activities do not aim to support the interests of any political party or ideological organization. We are a non-profit organization with a mission to serve the public good through uniting people around evidence-based policy solutions that benefit society at large.
The team
