Page 43 - AERC Strategic Plan 2 July2020

THE AERC 2020–2025 STRATEGIC PLAN

» Engaging the AERC network of economists to provide specialized support to
policymakers through evidence and examples from other countries as a policy
advisory centre;

» Hosting an annual workshop on topical policy issues that cover the majority of
countries that have hosted national think tanks on emerging economic issues,
current research, and policy recommendations; and

» Remodelling the Senior Policy Seminar experience to include customized
support services – to assist policymakers in implementing policy
recommendations nationally – and a system of follow-up and assessment.

The Purpose

The AERC has established itself over the last three decades as a premier knowledge
institution in the advancement of research and training to inform economic
policies in SSA. Leveraging on this leadership position, the AERC will put in place a
comprehensive knowledge centre that will have both an online and offline presence
geared towards curation and sharing of training and research outputs; resources;
enhancing of collaboration; stimulation of intellectual discourse among senior
economists; and influencing evidence-based policy formulation in the region. The
knowledge centre will rely on AERC’s digital innovations to offer access to AERC’s
e-resources (research publications, policy briefs, methodological technical research,
and faculty retooling-workshops’ materials, e-learning materials for JFE/SFSE
elective courses, and database); its vast network of researchers, faculty, students and
policymakers; and to its development of new modes of training delivery through greater
harnessing of cutting-edge information and communication technologies (ICT).

Strengthening cooperation and information sharing across national think tanks;
providing one-to-one policy implementation support; and expanding convenings will
result in stronger links between research, policy implementation, and impact while also
addressing the Africa 2063 Vision’s Goal 4: Strengthened Economies, and Goal 8: Capable
Institutions and Strong Leadership in Place. It will enable the development of collective
solutions from both a regional and subregional approach, building national capacity and
strong institutions to support continued economic growth in the region.

The Approach

This will be a new activity area for AERC, which will require financial support for the
development, maintenance, and growth of the knowledge centre and the hiring of
specialized staff with extensive experience in policy outreach in the region.

AERC will be required to move from a passive policy-engagement position to a proactive
position. The implementation structure will include the long term engagement of policy
practitioners, contracted nationally to lead this initiative and overseen by a policy
director in-house. AERC will also seek opportunities to engage with funding and regional

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