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Socio-economic Development

ACER aims to promote human-centered and inclusive socio-economic development in Albania through research, education, and policy advocacy.

ACER carries out policy-oriented research and development assistance projects, aiming to provide objective economic analysis and to promote constructive solutions to the challenges of reform, EU integration and development in order to improve the socio-economic well-being of Albanian citizens.

Ongoing Projects

Project for Integrated Urban and Tourism Development (PIUTD)

Project: Project for Integrated Urban and Tourism Development (PIUTD)  “Primary Data Collection, Development of Mid-Term and End Follow up Surveys, Assessment of PDO findings achievement in the framework of PIUTD” In the framework of the implementation of the PIUTD, the final Report “Summary of tourist survey, focus group findings and tourist counting, 2020” has been [...]

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Completed Projects

Period Donor Name of the Project Summary
January – September 2022 Montenegrin Pan-European Union, Montenegro Regional economic cooperation in V4 and WB6: sharing experience and knowledge in the context of Common Regional Market and post-COVID recovery The project has a regional relevance since its focus is on regional economic integration through development of the WB6 Common Regional Market using experiences from ex-CEFTA, CEFTA 2006 and V4 experiences after the full-fledged EU membership and integration into the single market (experience of Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia). This project is focused on the enhanced regional economic cooperation on two levels: among Western Balkan countries and between WB6 and V4 region. Special focus is put on implications the CRM action plan can bring to whole region in terms of boosting development and growth through regional cooperation. Among the researchers team of this publication, has also contributed Zef Preçi and Ilir Ciko from Albanian Centre for Economic Research, ACER.
July 2020–Jan. 2022 UNICEF Albania Improving the Nutrition Status of School Age Children in Albania The project focused on addressing nutritional challenges among children and promoting healthier dietary habits. The initiative aimed to reduce malnutrition, combat micronutrient deficiencies, and raise awareness about the importance of balanced nutrition for children’s growth, development, and academic success. Key activities included conducting assessments to identify nutritional gaps, collaborating with schools to integrate nutrition education into curricula, and engaging families and policymakers to support child-centered nutrition policies. The project also aimed to facilitate access to fortified foods and address food insecurity in vulnerable communities, ultimately creating a supportive environment to improve children’s nutrition and overall well-being.
August – Sept. 2020 World Vision Albania End of Project Evaluation “Returnees Reintegrate and Reinvest within Country” The purpose of this evaluation is to evaluate the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability (evaluation criteria) of the project implementation and, in particular, the results of the project in relation to its overall objectives and expected results, as set out in its key documents. Valuation has used a mixed methodology of quantitative and qualitative methods with an integrated design to enrich the process and provide a broader understanding.
June – July 2020 Save the Children Albania Budget Analysis on HP Activities and Programs at Central and Local Level The project involved analyzing the allocation and utilization of budgets for Health and Protection (HP) activities and programs at both the central and local government levels in Albania. The analysis evaluated how effectively public funds were used to support HP initiatives, particularly in areas impacting children's rights, health, and protection services. The final report provided valuable insights into the financial sustainability of these programs, identified funding gaps, and offered recommendations for improving resource allocation to better support vulnerable children and communities across Albania.
April – May 2020 World Vision Albania Study on services and assistance provided to returnees in local level in 13 municipalities in Albania World Vision Albania (WVA) and its partners, the National Association Education for Life (SHKEJ) and the Foundation “Spirit of Love” - Diakonia Agapes, implemented the “Returnees Reintegrate and Reinvest within Country” – RE-IN-VEST Programme in Albania, funded by the German Government and carried out by GIZ Albania. Within this project, World Vision collaborated with the Albanian Center for Economic Research (ACER) to conduct a study on the “Services and Assistance Provided to Returnees at the Local Level in 13 Municipalities in Albania.” This study provided an independent, evidence-based perspective on the services, assistance, and challenges faced by Albanian returnees.
Feb. – Sept. 2018 UNDP School lunches, after school care and students’ performance – evaluation of the upcoming pilot programme in the municipality of Tirana project The goal of UNDP and AADF through this assignment is to evaluate the pilot program "School lunches, after-school care, and students' performance" implemented in four schools by Tirana municipality. The program aims to provide empirical evidence of its effectiveness, focusing on improving the quality of formal and non-formal VSD in selected sectors, benefiting the private sector, and increasing accessibility for women and youth. It also aims to establish multi-functional centers that foster sustainable, innovative relations with the private sector and address key challenges in Albania’s vocational skills development system, including quality, financing, labor market orientation, and private sector involvement.
October 2016 Ombudsman The calculation of the subsistence minimum in Albania : The study aims to measure the subsistence minimum in Albania. Analysis throughout our study aims to rise above the level of subsistence minimum treatment obligation of the state to its consideration as a fundamental right of every human being. The main objectives of the study include the calculation of the subsistence minimum per capita for 2015, determining the structure of the subsistence minimum for food items, clothing, household furnishings and equipment and other costs; and comparison of the subsistence minimum per capita minimum wage, minimum pension, financial assistance and unemployment benefits in order to give social protection beneficiaries needed and necessary to meet basic living needs. In order to improve these indicators, the study will provide some recommendations to take appropriate socio-economic policies.
November 2015 ITA, Italian Trade Agency An analysis of the Agro-Industrial Market in Albania This project analyzed the agro-industrial market in Albania, focusing on the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products. It aimed to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges within the agro-industrial sector, including the supply chain, market trends, and competitiveness of Albanian products. The analysis also explored the role of technology, innovation, and investment in driving sector growth. The goal was to provide recommendations for enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of the agro-industrial market, thereby supporting economic development and agricultural modernization in Albania.
Nov. 2015–Nov. 2016 IOM Albania Promoting decent work opportunities and protection of migrant workers in Albania The project focused on improving the working conditions and legal protection of migrant workers in Albania. It addressed challenges such as inadequate labor rights enforcement, poor working conditions, and limited access to social benefits. Efforts were made to raise awareness of workers' rights and strengthen the enforcement of labor laws. The initiative aimed to ensure fair treatment, social inclusion, and the promotion of decent work standards across different sectors in Albania.
Oct. – Nov. 2015 CEED Montenegro Survey on Consumer Habits of Montenegrin products from fresh meat and meat products in Kosovo and Albania The survey focused on analyzing consumer preferences for Montenegrin fresh meat and meat products in Kosovo and Albania. It explored factors such as price, quality, and brand recognition that influence purchasing decisions. The study aimed to identify consumer trends and demand patterns, providing valuable insights for market expansion strategies. The findings contributed to understanding opportunities for growing the presence of Montenegrin meat products in both countries.
Aug. 2014–Jan. 2015 UNICEF Tirana Social welfare for children in Albania public Expenditure review This review focused on public expenditure related to social welfare for children in Albania. It assessed the allocation and effectiveness of government spending on child welfare programs. The analysis aimed to identify gaps and inefficiencies in current spending and provide recommendations for optimizing resources. The goal was to improve the effectiveness of social welfare policies, ensuring better support for children's health, education, and overall well-being.
Oct. – Dec. 2014 OECD Investment Compact (IC) Competitiveness in the Western Balkan region in the agro-food sector The study examined key factors affecting the industry's performance, such as production efficiency, market access, and export potential. The analysis identified strengths and weaknesses within the sector, offering insights into how the region could improve its competitiveness on the international market. The findings also highlighted opportunities for enhancing innovation, infrastructure, and collaboration across the region's agro-food industries.
February – July 2014 World Bank IPRO Customer Satisfaction Survey III: Land Administration and Management Project Component A: Security of Tenure and Registration of Immovable Property Rights The survey assessed customer satisfaction with the land administration and management services in Albania, focusing on the security of tenure and the registration of immovable property rights. It gathered feedback on the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of the property registration process. The survey aimed to identify areas for improvement in land services, ensuring that property rights are securely registered and easily accessible. Recommendations were provided to enhance the overall quality of land administration services and customer satisfaction.
Jan. – Oct. 2013 UNICEF Tirana Evaluation of the National Cross-cutting Strategy on Social Inclusion 2007–13 This evaluation examined the implementation of the strategy’s goals, including reducing poverty, promoting social inclusion, and improving access to services for vulnerable populations. The evaluation focused on identifying strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement in achieving the strategy’s objectives. The findings provided recommendations to enhance future social inclusion efforts and policy development in Albania.
Sept. 2012 – Dec. 2012 GoA / Ministry of Environment, Water Administration and Forestry - NRDP Project Social, Institutional and Economic Assessment (SIEA) of the Project Completion Impacts (Natural Resources Management Project - NRDP) The assignment aims to evaluate the project's impact near its completion, focusing on its social and economic outcomes for households and communities in the project areas, the improvements in local governance capacity, and the level of beneficiary satisfaction with the activities and results. It includes an economic assessment of the project’s benefits, such as income sources, the role of natural resource management in livelihoods, the sustainability of communal management, and efforts to reduce soil degradation. The social aspect examines the inclusion of vulnerable groups, community satisfaction with implementation, and participation in management planning. Finally, the institutional dimension explores the effectiveness of training programs for local bodies and the impact of transferring forest and pasture ownership to communes on sustainable development.
Sept. 2011–Jan. 2012 FAO Linguistic Adaptation of the Albanian Food and Nutrition Security Scale This study aimed to test the linguistic adaptation of the 8-question Food and Nutrition Security Scale to identify the best wording and phrasing for its translation into Albanian. The scale examines dietary changes for adults and children separately, providing insights into household dynamics when food is insufficient for everyone.
16 Nov. 2010 – 25 Jan. 2011 FAO Complementary Qualitative Study/Gender Issues and Effects of High Food Prices and Economic Crisis on Household Food Security This study explored the gender-specific impacts of high food prices and the economic crisis on household food security. It examined how different household members, particularly women, are affected by rising food costs and economic instability. The study also investigated coping mechanisms and strategies used by households to manage food insecurity. The findings provided insights into the intersection of gender, economic challenges, and food security, offering recommendations for policies to support vulnerable groups during economic crises.
Nov 2012 – Mar 2013 World Bank IPRO Customer Satisfaction Survey II The report analyzes the developments and challenges faced by the Immovable Property Registration Office (IPRO) and offers recommendations for improvement. While the types of services provided by IPRO remained unchanged from 2005 to 2010, the structure and volume of services shifted, with increased real estate transactions and decreased initial registrations, particularly in Tirana, indicating positive market trends. Investments in infrastructure and staff development have reduced informal payments and improved customer service, although informal payments for faster services still persist. Variability in service quality across local offices highlights the need for further investments in infrastructure, staff training, and modern technology. The report suggests cost-oriented and time-differentiated tariffs to improve efficiency. Despite improvements, challenges such as deficiencies in staff performance and customer dissatisfaction in some districts remain, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to strengthen human capacities and service quality.
Sept. 2010 – Jan. 2011 World Bank IPRO Customer Satisfaction Survey I The report analyzes the developments and challenges faced by the Immovable Property Registration Office (IPRO) and offers recommendations for improvement. While the types of services provided by IPRO remained unchanged from 2005 to 2010, the structure and volume of services shifted, with increased real estate transactions and decreased initial registrations, particularly in Tirana, indicating positive market trends. Investments in infrastructure and staff development have reduced informal payments and improved customer service, although informal payments for faster services still persist.
July - October 2010 UNFPA Tirana Development of the National Strategic Policy Document on Ageing & Respective Budgeted Action-Plan in Albania ACER, in consultation with the Ministry of Labor, Social and Equal Opportunities, conducted a review of the data already collected by the institutions, and designed a set of assessment instruments and sampling plans. These instruments were reviewed and approved by the Ministry before starting their use in a wide scale. Next, it administered the assessments and focus groups, using a group of Albanian assessors/interviewers. ACER facilitated the drafting process of the National Policy Document on Ageing and coordinated the process and inputs by providing logistical support, therefore acting as the implementing agency. In addition, ACER prepared the budget for the designed Action Plan through its finance expert. Based on proven records, ACER guaranteed to manage the facilitation process, organizational development, strategic planning and manage resource capacities.
Sept. 2006 – Dec. 2006 World Bank Social Service Delivery Project: Beneficiary Impact Assessment This project focused on assessing the impact of social service delivery on beneficiaries in Albania. It aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of social services provided to vulnerable groups. The assessment involved collecting feedback from beneficiaries and analyzing the outcomes of social programs, including improvements in well-being, income, and access to services. The goal was to identify areas for improvement in service delivery, enhance the efficiency of social programs, and ensure that they meet the needs of the most disadvantaged populations.
Apr. 2005 – Jul. 2005 EU Labor market trends, skills requirements and VET availability: Labor market review in Albania The European Training Foundation has commissioned ACER the conduct of a Labor Market Review in Albania. The focus of such assignment was not placed on a detailed description of labor market in Albania but was primarily related to the identification of main labor market trends, evaluation of employment policies and institutional set-up for the employment creation and labor market development. The scope of assignment was concentrated in three main domains: Economic context: for which ACER team is providing an exhaustive assessment of the economic transition process with main emphasis on state of economic restructuring reforms implementation and performance; Labor market trends: for which ACER team is providing a detailed overview of major labor market challenges and development. Policy, legal and institutional set-up to address labor market challenges: for which ACER team is providing a detailed overview of major policy, legal and institutional attributes impacting labor market challenges and development. The labor market review in Albania is enlightening the efforts Albania is making in identifying, formulating and implementing employment polices compliant with European Employment Strategy and in benchmark the adaptability and performance of these policies against EU common practice. The review of labor market in Albania will draw upon previous ETF experience in similar activities and efforts either carried out in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Oct. 2004 – Jun. 2005 World Bank Microcredit Beneficiary Assessment A Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) was carried out by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2005, one component of which focused on Albania’s credit unions (CUs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs). Following the FSAP, the Bank of Albania (BoA) requested further assistance to conduct an assessment of the current legal, regulatory, and supervisory framework for microfinance, as well as an assessment of MFIs, including the Savings and Credit Associations (SCAs) and their CUs, to identify future development priorities. The objective of this report is to present this assessment.
Mar. 2003 – Jan. 2004 DRN under a WB Project / IDA Assessment of Markets and Marketing of Forest-Based Products This project focused on assessing the markets and marketing strategies for forest-based products in Albania. It aimed to evaluate the current state of the forestry sector, including the production, distribution, and consumption of forest products such as timber, non-timber goods, and related services. The project analyzed market trends, demand-supply dynamics, and the effectiveness of existing marketing practices. The goal was to identify opportunities for improving market access, boosting the competitiveness of forest-based products, and promoting sustainable management of forest resources.
2003 Embassy of United States of America in Albania Main Principles of Market Economy - A Mass-Media Introduction Public Awareness and Training This project aimed to raise public awareness and provide training on the main principles of a market economy. Through mass media channels, it sought to educate citizens about market dynamics, economic principles, and the importance of competition, supply and demand, and private sector development. The initiative targeted a broad audience, enhancing understanding of how market economies function and the role individuals and businesses play within them. The goal was to foster a more informed public, capable of making decisions that contribute to a thriving market economy.
Dec. 2002 – Apr. 2003 FID / USAID Strengthening of Managerial Skills of Municipal Staff for Services’ Delivery This project aimed at strengthening the managerial skills of municipal staff to improve service delivery at the local level. It focused on enhancing the capacity of municipal employees in areas such as strategic planning, resource management, and decision-making. By improving the management abilities of municipal staff, the project sought to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of local government services. Ultimately, the goal was to ensure better service provision, foster community trust, and support the sustainable development of municipalities.
2002 European Training Foundation Labour Market Analysis and Development This project focused on analyzing and developing the labor market in Albania to identify key challenges and opportunities for workforce growth. It aimed to assess labor market trends, employment rates, skills gaps, and the effectiveness of existing policies and programs. The project also aimed to develop strategies for improving workforce participation, enhancing skill development, and addressing unemployment. Ultimately, the goal was to foster a more competitive and inclusive labor market, contributing to sustainable economic growth and improved job opportunities for citizens.
2002 UNDP Common Country Assessment: Albania This assessment, produced by the Country Information and Policy Unit of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Home Office, compiles information from various recognized sources. It is intended as background material for those involved in the asylum and human rights determination process and does not reflect Home Office opinion or policy. The document focuses on the most commonly raised issues in asylum and human rights claims in the United Kingdom, though it does not provide an exhaustive analysis.
1999 World Bank Decentralization – Briefing Notes The notes in this report are designed to highlight the broad range of issues that need to be considered with regard to decentralization. They are intended to provide brief overviews of the many different aspects of decentralization and summarize key issues that need to be considered by practitioners. Each note, prepared originally for a World Bank web-site to help Bank staff understand the multi-dimensional aspects of decentralization, is meant to help readers consider the cross-cutting nature of decentralization and the importance of a comprehensive approach. The report is divided into four chapters. The first provides an overview and explains the multi-dimensional nature as well as the rationale for decentralization; and sets the stage for understanding that the impact of decentralization depends greatly on many specific policy and institutional issues described in the second chapter. Chapter 2 addresses key political factors, fiscal dimensions, and administrative considerations. Chapter 3 focuses on issues pertaining to decentralization of specific sectors and the delivery of different services. Finally, the fourth chapter discusses potential impacts on equity objectives, macroeconomic stability, growth, and accountability and corruption.
Mar. 1999 ISPO (Brussels) European Survey of Information Society (ESIS II) The European Commission, DG III, invited tenders for a project to assess Information Society actions and projects in Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) and non-EU Mediterranean countries. The project aimed to provide a detailed overview through a questionnaire-based inventory of Information Society projects and actions, highlighting major public or private network facilities relevant for Information Society applications. It also included compiling a 'Who's Who' in the Information Society, promoting the project in the concerned countries, and providing management support for the project's follow-up and execution.