IIDS is a non-profit non-governmental organization registered under the Societies Registration Act 1977. Established on 25 November 1990, IIDS is a successor to the Integrated Development Systems, or IDS, founded in 1979. It has the mission of contributing to identification, analysis, understanding and response to major development policy issues facing the country. To accomplish this mission it has adopted the following objectives:
- To contribute to more informed public policy and action by conducting empirically based, policy-oriented research on Nepal's economic and social development in national, regional and international contexts;
- To foster informed debate and discussion on key development issues facing the nation;
- To provide training and technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental agencies in areas of the Institute's expertise; and
- To facilitate access to and exchange of experience with institutions within and outside the country.
Organization and Management
IIDS has more than 30 core research staff and a pool of researchers in different areas such as economics, gender, governance/decentralization, education, etc.
The Governing Council of IIDS provides overall policy direction and guidance to the Institute and ensures its smooth functioning. The Executive Director implements the decisions of the Governing Council and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Institute. At operational level, a committee appointed by the Executive Director carries out the day-to-day activities of IIDS relating to the General Research and Action Research programmes. The Executive Director of the Institute heads the committee.
Key Research Areas
IIDS has selected and defined four key priorities/areas of study for its future operations. These areas are:
- Poverty alleviation and human development
- Social development (gender and development, grass roots institutions, natural resource management)
- Nepalese economy focusing on economic reforms
- Natural resources (water, electricity and pollution).
In addition, IIDS intends to actively participate in the regional networks of economic institutes, including the recently established South Asian Centre for Policy Research. Besides general research, it will continue to work on training and learning processes focused on action research programmes with three major areas of interest: (1) self-reliance development programmes, (2) women-targeted action programmes and (3) specialized programmes such as training and documentation.
