Business Advocacy

We aim to facilitate business-to-government dialogue in the pursuit of a growth-oriented, prosperous, and inclusive future.

ACER’s business advocacy programme focus on actions to improve the area’s business climate, build a stronger economy, and ensure that public policy decisions - adequately take into account the needs of businesses and Albania’s economy to maintain and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Completed Projects

Period	Donnor	Name of the Project	Summary
2019	UNDP	Skills Development For Employment Programme – Data For The Evaluation Of Active Labour Market Programmes	ACER’s scope of assignment was to carry out the tasks described below: -Conducting 1000 interviews in the field, as per the approved questionnaire with the beneficiaries of the ALMPs (around 30 questions provided by the National Employment Service related to i) demographics; ii)employment history; ii)employment record after the programme -Producing the final clean data set in SPSS format for use of impact evaluation for ALMMs For the purposes of the project, the survey was conducted for 32 districts of Albania. The field work began on 22 February 2019 and ended on 12 March 2019, with a one-week break in between, for the purpose of specifying the control group. The number of questionnaires completed for the treatment group is 634, while for the control group was 694. ACER has used electronic technology to collect data. Interviews were conducted over the phone, and the questionnaire was housed in the Lime Survey system, allowing interviews to be conducted through CAPI (Computer Assisted Interviewing).
May 2017 – Nov 2017	GiZ	Conduction of performance studies for national business centre (NBC)	The National Business Center (NBC) in Albania serves as a one-stop shop for business registration and licensing, streamlining processes to enhance the business environment. Performance studies of the NBC assess its efficiency, effectiveness, and impact on economic activities, providing insights for potential improvements. These evaluations aim to ensure that the NBC effectively facilitates business operations, contributing to Albania's economic growth and competitiveness.
2015	Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)	Building An Effective Public-Private Dialogue	This project involves establishing structured, participatory, and inclusive communication channels between government entities and the private sector. This collaboration aims to enhance policy-making, improve governance, and foster economic development by aligning public policies with the needs and insights of businesses. Key components of successful PPD include a well-defined structure, such as a secretariat and working groups, transparent processes, and active engagement from all stakeholders. By facilitating mutual understanding and cooperation, PPD can lead to more informed decision-making and sustainable reforms that benefit both the public and private sectors.
Mar - Apr 2014	OECD Investment Compact	Albania Triple Helix Project	The Albania Triple Helix Project aims to foster innovation and economic growth by enhancing collaboration among universities, industry, and government. This initiative seeks to create a synergistic environment where academic research, industrial application, and public policy intersect, driving sustainable development and addressing societal challenges in Albania.
Nov 2013 - Mar 2014	J.E Austin Associates Inc./ Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO	Feasibility Study For An Entrepreneurship Implementation Programme In Albania	The "Feasibility Study for an Entrepreneurship Implementation Programme in Albania" was conducted between November 2013 and March 2014 by the Albanian Center for Economic Research (ACER), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO). This study assessed the potential for establishing a program to foster entrepreneurship in Albania, aiming to enhance economic growth and employment opportunities. The findings provided a foundation for developing initiatives to support entrepreneurs and improve the business environment in the country.
Sep - Dec 2013	ILO	Albanian wages policies and economic crises effects	This project examines the impact of economic crises on Albanian wage policies. It analyzes how wage policies have adapted to economic downturns, focusing on their effectiveness in maintaining employment and economic stability. The study also evaluates the role of government interventions in mitigating negative effects on wages during crises. Additionally, it assesses the resilience of the labor market and the adequacy of social safety nets in protecting workers' incomes. The findings aim to inform future policy decisions to enhance economic resilience and safeguard livelihoods.
Jul 2013 - Dec 2014	CIPE	Building An Effective Public-Private Dialogue (Second Phase)	The second phase of the "Building an Effective Public-Private Dialogue" project focuses on enhancing collaboration between government entities and private sector stakeholders. This phase aims to establish structured communication channels, fostering mutual understanding and trust. By addressing shared challenges and opportunities, the initiative seeks to create a more conducive environment for sustainable economic development. The project emphasizes the importance of inclusive dialogue, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to policy-making processes. Ultimately, this collaborative approach is designed to drive reforms that benefit both the public and private sectors.
2011	CIPE	Programme: Building An Effective Public-Private Dialogue	CIPE has been a supporter of the Albanian Center for Economic Research (ACER), for already 7 years and subsequently of the continuous work of the National Business Forum. ACER, a leading think tank organization in the country, has been actively involved in the reform agenda, developing a platform for economic development and enhanced public-private dialogue with a group of ten reform-minded business organizations, through the bottom up approach of the coalition. The objectives of this programme (project no. 0111304) phase were: To strengthen the role of the Albanian business community as a constructive partner in public-private dialogue on economic reform and to build the capacity of the National Business Forum to utilize the National Business Agenda methodology to conduct advocacy.
Jul - Oct 2008	UNFTA Tirana	Development of The National Strategic Policy Document on Ageing & Respective Budgeted Action-Plan in Albania	Albania, in collaboration with UNFPA, developed its first National Strategic Policy Document on Ageing, aiming to integrate elderly individuals into society and provide quality services for a long, healthy, and productive life. The policy document addresses the challenges of an aging population by promoting social inclusion and quality services for the elderly. The plan aligns with the European Union's objectives for lifelong healthy aging, emphasizing the importance of demographic changes in the region. Key initiatives include improving pensions, enhancing access to public transport, expanding day centers, and providing integrated social and health care services.
Nov 2007 - Feb 2008	World Bank	Development Of Annual Review Of Health System Performance And Financial Cost Estimation For Health System Strategy Implementation (2007-2013)	This document represents the Expression of Interest of ACER to provide consultancy services for the project titled “Development of Annual Review of Health System Performance & Financial Cost Estimation for Health System Strategy Implementation (2007-2013),” financed by the International Development Association (IDA) credit and a grant from the Japanese Government (PHRD). The document is structured into several sections: a brief presentation of ACER, an introduction to the proposal aligned with World Bank standards, and an overview of similar assignments undertaken in recent years. Additionally, it highlights the key qualifications of proposed experts, including their relevant experience and expertise in the field.
2002	Embassy of United States of America	Strengthening Of Business-Media Cooperation In Albania	It aims to enhance the exchange of information and improve the coverage of business-related topics. By fostering collaboration, the project seeks to promote a better understanding of economic issues, support informed decision-making, and improve the overall business environment. Key objectives include building capacity, encouraging media professionalism, and facilitating dialogue between media outlets and the business community.
1999-2000	EBRD	The EBRD-World Bank Business Environment And Enterprise Performance Survey (Beeps)	The EBRD-World Bank Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS) in Albania aimed to assess the business climate and performance of enterprises. The survey collects data on key factors affecting the private sector, including the regulatory environment, infrastructure, access to finance, and corruption. The findings are used to identify challenges and opportunities for improving the business environment, fostering economic growth, and enhancing competitiveness. The project provides valuable insights to policymakers, businesses, and international organizations to promote better business practices and development strategies.
April 1999	CIPE	Informal Economy In Albania: Study Of Hidden Employment And Tax Evasion	The project on "Informal Economy in Albania: Study of Hidden Employment and Tax Evasion" aims to investigate the extent of informal employment and tax evasion within the country. It focuses on understanding the factors driving these issues, such as regulatory challenges and economic conditions. The study provides insights into the implications of the informal economy on public revenue, social security, and labor market dynamics. The findings are intended to support the design of effective policies to reduce informality, improve tax compliance, and enhance economic growth.
1998	CIPE	Albanian Business Association Management Training Program, Funded By Center For International Private Enterprise	The program aimed to strengthen the association’s role in supporting businesses, promoting advocacy efforts, and improving member services. It provided participants with skills in effective leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development. Through targeted training sessions, it seeked to enhance the association’s ability to contribute to a more competitive and well-functioning business environment in Albania.
1998	CIPE	The Informal Economy In Albania — A Study On Hidden Employment And Fiscal Evasion	The objective of this project was to investigate the extent of hidden employment and fiscal evasion in Albania’s informal economy. It aimed to identify the key drivers behind informal employment practices and tax evasion, while analyzing their impact on the overall economy. By examining the causes and consequences of informality, the project seeked to provide insights that can inform policy recommendations aimed at reducing informal activities, improving tax compliance, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Sep 1998	Harvard Institute & World Bank	World Business Environment: Case Of Albania	The objective of this project was to analyze Albania's business environment, focusing on key factors that affect the growth and development of enterprises. It examined regulatory frameworks, access to finance, infrastructure, and the overall competitiveness of the private sector. The project aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in Albania. The findings were used to inform policy recommendations aimed at improving the business climate, promoting private sector development, and enhancing Albania's attractiveness for investment.
Jan - Nov 1998	USAID / World Bank & EBRD	Albania Anti-Corruption Initiative: Business Environment and enterprise performance survey/BEEPS	This study aimed to identify the key barriers to business growth caused by corruption, including its effect on firm performance, market competition, and investment. The project provided valuable data on the challenges faced by businesses and offered insights into how corruption hinders economic development. The findings were used to design targeted anti-corruption strategies and improve the overall business climate in Albania.
1996-1999	USAID	The Balkan Network Competitiveness Project: Obstacles To Trade, Growth, Investment, And Competitiveness: Ten Case Studies On Balkan Businesses	Through ten case studies on Balkan businesses, the project identified the challenges hindering economic development and competitiveness in the region. It explored issues such as market access, regulatory barriers, and investment climate constraints. The findings aimed to provide recommendations for addressing these challenges, promoting regional integration, and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses in the Balkans.