Economic and Social Research Institute
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The institute was founded in 1960 by a group of senior academics and public servants, led by T. K. Whitaker, Secretary of the Department of Finance. While conducting an economic study of Ireland, Whitaker became aware of the necessity for an independent research organisation to conduct analysis of data using up-to-date quantitative techniques in order to make the data useful for public policy makers. The US-based Ford Foundation provided seed funding to establish the Economic Research Institute in 1960. In 1966 the remit of the institute was expanded to include social research and the name changed to Economic and Social Research Institute. The first Director of the institute was Roy C. Geary, Irish statistician and founder of the Central Statistics Office.
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Mission of the institute and fields of study
The mission of the institute is to produce economic and social research that informs public policymaking and civil society, in order to achieve its vision of "Informed policy for a better Ireland". The institute makes significant contributions across its 12 designated areas of research: macroeconomics; internationalisation and competitiveness; energy and environment; communications and transport; labour markets and skills; migration, integration and demography; education; taxation, welfare and pensions; social inclusion and equality; health and quality of life; children and young people; and behavioural economics.
Since 2006, the institute has conducted the research for Growing Up in Ireland, a national longitudinal study of children and youth, funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The most significant study of its kind ever to take place in Ireland, the purpose is to examine how children in Ireland are developing in the current social, economic and cultural environment. The second phase of this study began in 2015 and is conducted in conjunction with researchers from Trinity College Dublin.
The Economic and Social Research Institute and Trinity College Dublin agreed to a strategic partnership in July 2010. The agreement enables both institutions to build collaborative and complementary strengths in the social sciences.
The ESRI has been noted for its strength in quantitative research methods. It is listed by IDEAS/RePEc among the top 20 economic think tanks in the world.
Governance of the institute
The Economic and Social Research Institute is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in 1960. It is a not-for-profit organisation registered as a charity. The institute is answerable to more than 300 members, comprising both individuals and companies.
The institute is governed by a Council of up to 14 members, including the Director. The Council members are drawn from a cross-section of the institute's members, from academia, civil service, state agencies, business and civil society. Additionally, there is a Forum of more than 30 members representing a broad range of stakeholders, who are consulted in relation to the institute's strategic development.
The ESRI is audited by the Comptroller & Auditor General and is subject to the rules that apply to state organisations in relation to prompt payments, disclosure, risk management and tax clearance. Since 1 May 2013, the institute has been subject to oversight by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Funding
The institute receives an annual government grant-in-aid to support the public good elements of the institute's activities. Other funding comes from:
- Major research programme agreements with government departments and state agencies
- Specific research projects commissioned by government departments, state agencies and international bodies such as the European Commission
- Membership subscriptions
- Sale of publications
- Sponsorship by Irish business