In a world where the importance of democracy and socio-economic development is becoming increasingly evident, the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) stands as a beacon of hope in Macedonia. Founded in 2004, CRPM is a non-governmental, non-profit think tank that has been at the forefront of efforts to improve policy-making processes and strengthen democratic institutions in the country. The organization’s primary aim is to promote good governance, sustainable development, and social cohesion, aligning with the principles of the European Union. To achieve these goals, CRPM focuses on research, policy analysis, advocacy, and capacity building. This article delves into the various facets of the organization, shedding light on its achievements and aspirations.
At the core of CRPM’s work is a commitment to rigorous research that informs policy development. The organization conducts studies on a wide range of topics, including education, health, labor market, social policy, environment, regional development, and European integration. Through these studies, CRPM provides empirical evidence and analysis that helps policymakers make informed decisions, ensuring that public policies are based on sound knowledgev
Our mission is to drive positive change and improve the quality of life in Macedonia and the SEE region by conducting comprehensive, in-depth research and advocating for inclusive, gender-equal and sustainable policies. We are committed to fostering a culture of informed decision-making and encouraging constructive dialogue among all stakeholders.
At CRPM, we strive to create a democratic, fair and prosperous society in Macedonia and the SEE region, where all have equal access to opportunities, leaving no one behind, and actively engage in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
We adhere to the highest ethical standards and ensure that our research is objective, unbiased, and credible.
We continually explore new ideas and approaches to address complex challenges, staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving policy landscape.
We believe in the power of partnerships, working closely with local and international organizations, governments, and academia to achieve common goals.
We embrace diversity, empower women & girls and ensure that our work is accessible and relevant to a wide range of stakeholders, including marginalized and underrepresented groups.
We stand by the European way, culture, law, values and principles.
CRPM undertakes a variety of activities, such as:
Conducting rigorous, policy-oriented research on topics like good governance, public administration reform, EU integration, regional cooperation, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
Developing practical and innovative policy recommendations based on our research findings and actively engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to promote policy reforms.
Organizing training programs, workshops, and conferences to strengthen the skills and knowledge of policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Utilizing various communication channels to disseminate our research findings and policy recommendations, fostering informed public debate on key issues.
Policy research impact is about identifying the influences of research findings “on policy, managerial and professional practices, social behavior or public discourse. Such impact may be instrumental, influencing changes in policy, practices and behavior, or conceptual, changing people’s knowledge, understanding and attitudes towards social issues” (Davies, H., S. Nutley and I. Walter, 2005). CRPM tries not only to make first class analysis but also to influence policy making and induce changes where necessary. To do so we rely much on the same strategies think tanks around the world use such as, holding public forums and conferences to discuss various policy issues; publishing, opinion pieces, enhancing media exposure, holding informal meetings with key policy makers. Often much of the CRPM impact is dependent on intangible processes and context dependent. At the end what matters most is if the policy research and advocacy actually succeeds in bringing changes. CRPM’s policy efforts do. We are proud to report that since its founding CRPM outperformed all the other Macedonian policy research institutes in influencing policy changes.
Law on higher education – nostrification of foreign diploma system changed with diploma recognition system
Law on pension and disability insurance – decrease of the administrative fees charged by private pension funds
Law on the national air carrier – monopoly position of MAT cancelled; open sky agreement signed
Law on fortune games – changed licensing policy for sport betting houses
Organic Budget Law 2005 introduction of transparency and public participation mechanisms
Organic Budget Law 2022 introduction of gender responsive budgeting
Law on Energy 2013 and introduction of energy efficiency
Amendments to the Criminal Code 2023 alignment with the Istanbul Convention
New system of home care service provision on community level for elderly and feeble people
New communication system for pension insurance – the orange envelop
Gender participation models for local policy making and budgeting
Strategy for gender equality of city of Skopje
Strategy against proxy and family voting
Ex-post policy evaluation methodology; Manual and generic training
Policy development methodology; Manual and generic training
Situation analysis Manual
National civil servant training system
Diagonal cumulation of EU rules of origin – subregional diagonal cumulation system of rules of origin established between EU and Croatia, Macedonia and Turkey
Visa free travel policy – adoption of the road map model for facilitating reforms in Western Balkans
Method for preparation and consultation of the annual progress report of the European commission
The Center for Research and Policy Making is a non-for-profit organisation registered under the law for civil organisation by the Central Registry of Macedonia.